Celtic set for crunch talks with ‘outstanding’ star over immediate future decision
Celtic are set to hold new contract talks with Kelechi Iheanacho at the end of the season
Celtic are considering what the future holds for Kelechi Iheanacho and they are set to hold talks with him before his contract expires in the summer, according to new reports.
The striker arrived at Parkhead as a free agent last year and looked on track for a super maiden season under Brendan Rodgers, who he previously worked with at Leicester City.
The Nigeria international scored on his Celtic debut against Kilmarnock to secure a stoppage time win. He also contributed to the 3-2 win over Motherwell two weeks later.
Iheanacho started all four of Celtic’s Scottish Premiership games at the start of the season but injuries have heavily set him back since. The 29-year-old suffered a hamstring issue in October and he has struggled to get back to full fitness since.
Iheanacho has been limited to just five Premiership appearances this season and 12 in total across all competitions.
The forward’s fitness concerns also meant he was left out of Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. Iheanacho stayed behind as the Super Eagles reached the semi-finals of the tournament and went on to claim bronze after beating Egypt on penalties in the third-place clash.
Celtic to discuss potential contract extension with Kelechi Iheanacho
According to Football Insider, Celtic are ‘set for discussions’ with Iheanacho once the current season draws to a close. The Nigerian’s terms are due to expire this summer but the club hold the option to extend his contract by a further year, should they wish they keep him at Parkhead.
Conversations over whether they will activate this clause are due to be held once the Scottish Premiership campaign concludes. The title race is currently wide open and Celtic are pushing to retain their crown. Hearts are top of the table but their latest defeat to Rangers has allowed both Glasgow sides to significantly close the gap.
The Hoops will ‘allow’ the frontman until the end of the season to make an impact on the team, which will determine whether the club trigger the extension clause in his contract.
Prior to his departure from Celtic, former manager Rodgers praised Iheanacho’s ‘outstanding’ impact against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League. The striker secured a point for the Hoops with his goal against the Serbian side.