Celtic have completed the signing of Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho on a one-year deal, with an option for a further year, after he terminated his contract with Sevilla.
The move was confirmed late on Tuesday, just before the Europa League registration deadline, ensuring the 28-year-old will be available for Europe this season.
The move reunites the Nigeria forward with Brendan Rodgers, who as Leicester manager oversaw the best scoring season of his career when he netted 12 Premier League goals in 2020/21.
In total, Iheanacho scored 19 goals across all competitions that season, helping the Foxes lift their first-ever FA Cup.
Brendan Rodgers and Kelechi Iheanacho during their time at Leicester city. Photo Credit: Getty Images
However, his time in Spain with Sevilla proved less successful. He scored just three goals after joining in 2024 before being loaned to Championship side Middlesbrough for the second half of last season.
The Super Eagles striker began his career at Manchester City, winning the League Cup in 2016, before completing a £25m switch to Leicester in 2017.
READ MORE:feature-npfl-2025-awards-a-day-that-fell-embarrassingly-flat
He went on to make more than 200 appearances for the Foxes, scoring 55 goals across all competitions.
Kelechi Iheanacho was left out of Nigeria’s squad for the September international window. Photo Credit: Getty Images
On the international stage, Iheanacho has been capped 59 times for Nigeria and played a key role in their run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, where they finished as runners-up.
Speaking to Celtic’s official website, Rodgers said:
“I know Kelechi so well and what he can bring to the team. He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate.
He has great experience and he is right in his peak years so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.
I am sure he will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Iheanacho’s arrival comes after Celtic were criticised by fans for failing to bring in a striker on transfer deadline day. The deal now strengthens Rodgers’ attacking options, with the manager previously insisting that Adam Idah would not be allowed to leave unless a replacement was signed.
