Bursaspor president Enes Celik has revealed Kelechi Iheanacho’s actual salary after the Super Eagles striker completed his move to the Turkish club, dismissing earlier reports about the financial terms of the deal.
Iheanacho recently signed a three-year contract with the ambitious Turkish 1. Lig side after ending speculation over his future, with the transfer surprising many given reported interest from Scottish champions Celtic.
Initial reports claimed Celtic had offered the Nigerian forward around €17,000 per week, while Bursaspor were said to have tabled a lucrative €55,000-a-week package to convince him to move to Turkey.
However, Celik has now clarified the figures, revealing that Iheanacho’s guaranteed annual salary is €1.4 million.
“We have been in contact with Kelechi Iheanacho for 40 days,” Celik told reporters.
“It was a bit difficult. I watched his shooting session in training, and you could immediately see the difference in his quality.
“Furkan Akın played a significant role in the negotiations. I also thank our football department and administrative manager.
“It was important to complete this transfer in a way that served Bursaspor’s best interests. Iheanacho has a guaranteed salary agreement of €1.4 million with us, and we have signed a three-year contract.”
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The club president also defended the financial commitment involved in signing the former Manchester City and Leicester City striker, insisting the package remains sustainable.
“There are players in our league earning €2.2 million who are not even half as good as Iheanacho,” Celik added.
“We are also considering the club’s financial structure. We still intend to strengthen our squad with a central defender, but every decision must fit within our financial plans.”
Based on the disclosed annual salary, Iheanacho will earn approximately €116,700 per month, around €27,000 per week, and roughly €3,850 per day, excluding potential appearance fees, performance bonuses and other contractual incentives.
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The figures make the 29-year-old one of the highest paid players in Turkey’s second division and underline Bursaspor’s determination to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion.
