Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho has signed a one-year contract with Celtic as a free agent, with the possibility of extending it for an additional year pending international clearance.
The Scottish club announced the signing of 28-year-old forward Kelechi Iheanacho on their official website, confirming his arrival as a free agent shortly after mutually ending his contract with Sevilla FC.
The deal ensured the Nigerian international’s inclusion ahead of Celtic’s Europa League registration deadline.
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers commended Iheanacho, stating, “I know Kelechi so well and what he can bring to the team.”
He expressed optimism that Iheanacho would settle in well at Celtic and suggested that fans would be impressed by his contributions.
Rodgers added, “I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”
Iheanacho moves to Scotland after a short stint with Sevilla, having joined the Spanish club last summer on a free transfer from Leicester City with a contract set to run until June 2026.
His spell in La Liga was brief, as he faced challenges in getting consistent playing time and returning to peak performance.
He featured in 11 games across all competitions, scoring three goals, but went goalless in nine La Liga appearances.
During the January transfer window, Iheanacho joined English Championship club Middlesbrough on loan, making 15 appearances, scoring once, and registering two assists.
The Nigerian forward began his professional career at Manchester City, making his senior debut in 2015, before transferring to Leicester City in 2017, where he spent over six seasons and scored 35 goals in 173 appearances.
During his time at the King Power Stadium, he lifted the FA Cup and Community Shield and was honored as the club’s ‘Player of the Season’ despite their relegation battle.
Since making his debut in 2015, Iheanacho has represented Nigeria’s Super Eagles over 60 times, scoring key goals in World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations, and played a vital role in guiding Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
