Celtic set to lose out on target in massive transfer blow as 'agreement' with Turkish side ends Hoops hopes
Free agent made it clear he was open to a Parkhead return
Celtic have reportedly lost hopes of re-signing free agent Kelechi Iheanacho as Turkish side Bursaspor have reached an ‘agreement’ with the player.
Reports from Turkey suggest the 29-year old striker has signed a three year deal with Bursaspor, who gained promotion back to the Super Lig last season. Iheanacho became a fan favourite at Celtic Park last season for his knack of scoring goals in the big moments, but the club opted not to trigger the clause in his contract to keep him for another year.
Despite Hoops chiefs missing the deadline, a fresh deal was reportedly on the cards for the Nigerian free agent. Manager Martin O’Neill and Iheanacho himself were hoping a deal could be agreed, however it now appears as if the Hoops have been beaten to the punch.
Ex Celtic fan favourite reaches ‘agreement’ with Bursaspor
Prominent Turkish transfer journalist Ertan Suzgun claims a deal has already been made between Iheanacho and Bursaspor as the journeyman now embarks on a new chapter. He said via X: “Bursaspor has reached a 3-year agreement with Kelechi Iheanacho, who last wore the Celtic shirt.”
The former Manchester City and Leicester man was signed as a free agent by Celtic last September after the club failed to bring in any household names during the window to replace previous hitmen Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah. The signing was a gamble as Iheanacho had failed to impress at his most recent spells with Middlesbrough and Sevilla.
Despite having an injury plagued campaign, the striker scored nine goals in 24 Hoops appearance - the majority of which coming from the bench, earning him the ‘super-sub’ tagline. His goals proved vital during the domestic double-winning campaign, particularly his 99th minute spot kick against Motherwell to keep Celtic in the title race and late strike in the Scottish Cup final victory over Dunfermline Athletic.
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Iheanacho Hoops return kiboshed
After securing the double, Iheanacho himself claimed he was hoping to stay in Glasgow. He said: "I love the supporters, I love them all. Everyone in the streets of Glasgow, people recognise me. I am happy. The whole of Glasgow is a great city. Hopefully, I will be here next season. I am really happy to wear a Celtic shirt and to play for them with all my heart."
Meanwhile boss O’Neill claimed during the squad pre-season training camp in Portugal that the club were exploring deals for both Iheanacho and left back Marcelo Saracchi, who returned to parent club Boca Juniors in the summer but has subsequently been linked with a Parkhead return. Now that the Iheanacho talks have fell through, supporters will be hoping the Uruguayan doesn’t follow suit.
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