Celtic are weighing up a move for Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho after the forward terminated his contract with Sevilla on transfer deadline night.
The 28-year-old is now a free agent, with the Spanish club confirming both parties had agreed to end his deal, which was originally due to run until June 2026.
In a statement, Sevilla said:
“Sevilla FC and Kelechi Iheanacho have reached an agreement to terminate the contract of the Nigerian striker, who was linked to the Nervion club until June 30, 2026.
Iheanacho joined the club last summer after ending his contract with Leicester City, making eleven appearances for Sevilla FC, scoring three goals.
Kelechi Iheanacho had frustrating spell at Sevilla. Photo Credit: Getty Images
He also made 15 appearances during his half-season loan at Middlesbrough FC, an English club for which he scored one goal and assisted twice.
Sevilla would like to thank Iheanacho for his work during this period and wish him the best of luck in the future.”
Brendan Rodgers is in the market for attacking options following Adam Idah’s £6m move to Swansea City earlier on deadline day.
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Rodgers previously worked with Iheanacho at Leicester City and came close to bringing him to Celtic on loan in January before the forward instead joined Middlesbrough.
According to Sky sports and BBC Scotland his release means the Hoops can pursue a deal outside the transfer window.
The striker came through Manchester City’s academy before completing a £25m switch to Leicester in 2017.
Brendan Rodgers and Iheanacho during their Leicester city spell. Photo Credit: Leicester/X
He enjoyed his most successful spell under Rodgers at the King Power Stadium, scoring 19 goals in the 2020/21 season and helping Leicester to their first-ever FA Cup triumph.
But his move to Spain in 2024 did not yield the same impact. He managed just three goals for Sevilla before his loan spell at Middlesbrough in the Championship.
Celtic had also been tracking Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana, though he is expected to join Charlton Athletic on loan.
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With Iheanacho now available, Rodgers could turn to a player he knows well to bolster his attacking options at Parkhead.
The Nigerian international has 47 caps for his country and featured at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
A reunion in Glasgow would see Iheanacho step in as a direct replacement for Idah as Celtic push forward with their Premiership campaign.
