Striker vying for Celtic contract edges closer to Parkhead as offers elsewhere 'turned down'
Hoops boss Martin O’Neill has expressed his admiration for the player
Celtic’s resident super-sub from last season Kelechi Iheanacho has reportedly ‘turned down’ offers from Turkey and Qatar as a Hoops return now becomes the ‘most likely’ scenario.
The 29-year old forward was a fan favourite throughout the domestic double winning campaign for his knack of scoring in the big moments, however the club opted not to trigger the clause in his contract that would extend his stay for a further year. The former Manchester City and Leicester striker has in turn become a free agent, but hasn’t given up hope he’ll be a Celtic player next season.
Iheanacho himself made his ambitions to stay at the club very clear towards the end of last season. Despite an injury-plagued campaign, the Nigerian popped up with nine goals in 24 appearances in all competitions. Manager Martin O’Neill revealed that talks are ongoing with Iheanacho and also left back Marcelo Saracchi, who returned to parent club Boca Juniors at the end of the season.
.jpeg?trim=94,0,94,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
Offers for Iheanacho ‘turned down’
It’s claimed by journalist George Tsarouchas that the striker is closing in on a Parkhead return. He said: “Kelechi Iheanacho has turned down offers from Qatar and Turkey. He held talks with Celtic FC in order to sign a two-year contract. Returning to Celtic is not the most likely scenario.”
Iheanacho has also reportedly attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League and MLS however has his heart set on Celtic. Towards the end of last season after securing the double, 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."
O’Neill on Iheanacho return
The squad are currently at a warm-weather pre-season camp in Portugal where new signing Camilo Duran has met with his new teammates. The forward was signed for £6m from Azerbaijani side Qarabag on a five-year deal. Despite the new attacking addition, O’Neill confirmed via the Daily Record that they’re still hoping to acquire Iheanacho too. He also claimed Saracchi is in a similar boat, as the club continue to bring last season’s band back together.
He said: "I think Michael Nicholson has spoken to Iheanacho's agent at this minute. So that's the conversation at this moment. And I think it's the same with Saracchi. I think both of them would like to come back, given the circumstances; then it's up to us to try and see if there are deals to be done. I would like to take them, but I think, I think there's a bit of work to be done."
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly