Kelechi Iheanacho’s impressive start at Bursaspor has placed the Turkish club in a difficult position, with president Enes Çelik acknowledging that the Nigerian striker and the club could be tested if an exceptional transfer offer arrives.
Çelik has made no secret of his desire to retain the forward, who has quickly become one of the team’s most important attacking players. However, his latest comments suggest that Bursaspor may have to reconsider their plans if the financial terms are attractive enough.
The development adds another layer to growing speculation surrounding Iheanacho after reports emerged that Turkish giants Fenerbahçe were monitoring his situation ahead of the January transfer window.
Speaking about the possibility of selling the Nigerian, Çelik acknowledged the strength of feeling among supporters but insisted that the club could not make decisions based on emotion alone.
“If a poll were conducted, 99% would say he absolutely shouldn’t be sold. I understand that, but we’re not just looking at it emotionally. We also have to look at the situation logically. Iheanacho is a player who scores goals when there’s no real chance,” he said, as quoted by Turkinform.
The Bursaspor president was equally emphatic about his personal preference, making clear that keeping the striker would be his first choice.
“I want him to stay in the team more than anyone. But there might be some absurd figures involved. If there are, we, as the management, will evaluate them. Ultimately, we set out to do what’s right for the club,” Çelik added.
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That position could become relevant given the reported interest from Fenerbahçe. As previously reported, the Istanbul club have been monitoring the striker following his outstanding performances since joining Bursaspor in July 2026.
There has, however, been no confirmation of a formal bid or an agreement between the clubs. Any potential move would also have to account for Fenerbahçe’s foreign-player allocation, which was identified as a factor in the earlier reports.
Iheanacho’s performances explain why his situation has attracted attention. He has scored 16 goals and provided three assists in 12 league appearances for Bursaspor, establishing himself as the club’s leading goalscorer in the 2026/27 campaign.
His contribution has also extended to the international stage. The forward scored for Nigeria in their friendly against Russia, taking his combined return to 17 goals in 13 club and international appearances, according to the report.
Despite his remarkable numbers, Çelik declined to attach a specific valuation to the striker, instead indicating that any proposal would have to be substantial enough to satisfy the club.
“He’s a really good character. It wouldn’t be right to give a specific figure, but if it’s a figure that satisfies everyone, you can be sure it will be a figure that will make people say, ‘He’ll be sold for that amount,’” he concluded.
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In the meantime, Bursaspor’s preference is for Iheanacho to stay. But with Fenerbahçe monitoring his progress and the club’s president openly acknowledging the possibility of an extraordinary offer, the Nigerian’s future could become one of the stories to follow when the January transfer window approaches.
