“Iheanacho has signed” – Ex-West Ham striker provides update on Super Eagles star

Super Eagles and Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho Copyright: xFredxPalmerx IMAGO

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho officially became a free agent at the end of June with his next destination still unknown, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old Nigerian forward is currently without a club after Celtic allowed the automatic one-year extension in his contract to expire. That decision ended the initial one-year agreement he signed with the Scottish champions, leaving both the player and supporters waiting for clarity over what comes next.

Despite becoming a free agent, Iheanacho’s story at Celtic may not be over. The striker has made it clear that he wants to continue his career in Scotland and hopes to agree on a fresh contract rather than move elsewhere.

His desire to stay comes after an impressive first season at Parkhead. Iheanacho scored nine goals in 24 appearances across all competitions and became Celtic’s most reliable impact player. Several of those goals came late in matches as he helped Martin O’Neill’s side secure both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup, completing another domestic double.

During the closing weeks of the campaign, the former Leicester City striker produced some of his best football. He scored six goals in the final nine matches, including important late winners and a dramatic stoppage-time penalty against Motherwell.

However, Celtic’s hesitation over offering another deal appears to be linked to concerns about his fitness. Hamstring injuries interrupted parts of his season, raising questions about whether he can stay available throughout a demanding campaign that includes domestic competitions and European football.

With no official agreement announced, interest from other clubs has surfaced. Turkish side Bursaspor are reported to have held several meetings with Iheanacho’s representatives and have submitted an attractive contract offer. Fellow Süper Lig clubs Samsunspor and Beşiktaş are also monitoring his situation closely.

Outside Europe, Brazilian club Vasco da Gama have also made an offer. However, reports suggest Iheanacho has put that option on hold because his priority is to remain in European football.

Soccer Iheanacho: McAvennie fuels fresh Celtic speculation with Ireland rumour

While Celtic have remained silent over Iheanacho’s future, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie has added another twist by revealing a rumour he recently heard during a visit to Ireland.

McAvennie explained that he spent time with former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and club chief executive Michael Nicholson while in Ireland. Although the former West Ham and Aston Villa forward never claimed either man confirmed any deal, he said talk surrounding Iheanacho’s future was already spreading.

Speaking on his Let Me Be Frank podcast, McAvennie said:

“There was a rumour going about in Ireland that Iheanacho has signed. He’s got another year. I’m delighted. What a game-changer he is.

“If he does that all the time, just bring him on for the last half hour if we need him.”

McAvennie made it clear he was only repeating what he had heard and not confirming that Iheanacho had officially signed a new contract. As things stand, neither Celtic nor the player’s representatives have announced any agreement.

Meanwhile, Celtic continue shaping their squad for the new season. The club have already confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will stay for another year, while Colombian striker Camilo Duran is reportedly close to completing his medical ahead of a possible transfer.

Imhonlamhen

Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng with over six years’ experience shaping its editorial voice. A lifelong Arsenal and Super Eagles fan, he combines engineering precision with training in journalism and digital media. He has covered four AFCONs and two Women’s AFCON tournaments, specialising in Super Eagles history and tracking Nigerian players worldwide, while keeping a close eye on the NPFL and emerging homegrown talents.