Soccer
Sevilla coach Xavier García Pimienta has raised questions about Kelechi Iheanacho’s future at the club after revealing the Nigerian forward will miss the upcoming Copa del Rey clash against UD Almería due to minor fitness concerns and potential transfer activity, Soccernet.ng reports.
Iheanacho, who joined Sevilla on a free transfer last summer following his departure from Leicester City, may already be on his way out of the Spanish side.
The Super Eagles striker has struggled to replicate the form that made him a household name in England, where he netted 64 goals and provided 31 assists in 232 appearances for Leicester.
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Since arriving in Seville, Iheanacho has managed just three goals in 11 outings, with García Pimienta handing him only five starts in La Liga. The Nigerian has often found himself on the bench, missing out entirely in 12 league games this season.
Addressing the media ahead of Sevilla’s Copa del Rey round-of-32 fixture against Almería, Pimienta confirmed Iheanacho’s absence from the squad, citing both physical issues and ongoing transfer interest.
“Kelechi came to the first training session after the break with a small discomfort, and it is true that he has offers from other clubs,” Pimienta revealed.
“We will see what happens and if that interest materialises. He does not have a serious injury, just minor discomforts that kept him from training yesterday. He will not do so today either and will not travel for tomorrow’s game.”
The 28-year-old forward, who was instrumental in Leicester’s FA Cup triumph in 2021 and the EFL Championship last year, has reportedly attracted interest from English Championship side Watford.
La Liga outfit Las Palmas are also said to be monitoring his situation.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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