Kelechi Iheanacho previously played for Sevilla.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed confidence that Kelechi Iheanacho “will make a big contribution” to the team, following the completion of the Nigeria international’s free transfer after the Europa League signing deadline.
The 28-year-old forward, with extensive experience representing Nigeria, joins Celtic on a one-year contract. His arrival comes shortly after reaching a mutual agreement with Sevilla to terminate his contract with the Spanish club.
The signing also addresses concerns raised by Celtic supporters, who criticized the club’s failure to secure a striker during the transfer deadline day.
Rodgers is familiar with Iheanacho, having previously managed him during his seven-year tenure with Leicester City.
“He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate,” Rodgers stated on Celtic’s official website.
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“He has great experience and he is right in his peak years, so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”
Rodgers had previously indicated that Adam Idah would not be allowed to depart without a replacement being secured.
Following the sale of Idah to Swansea City on deadline day without Celtic acquiring a replacement, the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters Clubs voiced their dissatisfaction, urging chief executive Michael Nicholson to provide clarity regarding the “failure to strengthen the squad” and the “disarray witnessed on the final evening of the transfer window.”
Despite the criticism, Rodgers remains optimistic, stating that Iheanacho “will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings”.
Iheanacho, with 59 international caps for Nigeria, began his professional career with Manchester City, winning a League Cup during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Subsequently, he joined Leicester City, where he won the FA Cup in 2021 and played a key role in Nigeria’s second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Iheanacho’s recent club career includes a move to Sevilla last summer, followed by a loan spell with English Championship side Middlesbrough towards the end of the season.
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