Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho is on the verge of extending his stay at Scottish champions Celtic after advanced negotiations over a new two-year contract gathered momentum.
The 29-year-old enjoyed an encouraging first season at Parkhead after arriving on a free transfer, and despite initially becoming a free agent when the club allowed the extension clause in his previous deal to expire on June 30, Celtic have now moved decisively to keep him.
According to reports, the Scottish champions are confident of reaching an agreement, with chief executive Michael Nicholson leading discussions with the Nigerian’s representatives.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has already made no secret of his desire to retain Iheanacho, stressing the importance of concluding negotiations quickly so the striker can benefit from a full pre-season.
“I’d like to do something with him (Iheanacho). If we can do something relatively quickly, at least he then gets started in pre-season, which is really important for him. It’s something he didn’t have last year,” O’Neill said.
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The former Leicester City forward has reportedly turned down approaches from clubs in Turkey, Qatar, Brazil and Major League Soccer, making it clear that his priority is to remain in Glasgow.
That commitment has strengthened Celtic’s determination to tie him down to a longer deal ahead of the new campaign.
Iheanacho’s first season was disrupted by injuries after he joined the club late in the previous transfer window, denying him the benefit of a complete pre-season programme.
Despite those setbacks, he still made a valuable contribution, scoring crucial goals against Kilmarnock, Dundee, Hibernian and Motherwell, while finishing the season with nine goals in all competitions as Celtic completed another Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.
Two key roles planned for next season
Reports suggest Celtic already have a clear vision for how Iheanacho will be used if the deal is finalised.
The Nigerian is expected to continue serving as an impact substitute capable of changing matches in the closing stages, with the coaching staff keen to utilise his movement, intelligent positioning and clinical finishing against tiring defences.
He is also tipped to feature in a rotating front-two partnership alongside new Colombian striker Camilo Duran, dropping into deeper positions to link play while allowing his strike partner to operate closer to goal.
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Celtic believe Iheanacho’s creativity, experience and versatility can offer different tactical options across domestic competitions and Europe.
Should the agreement be completed in the coming days, the Super Eagles forward will finally enjoy a full pre-season at Parkhead something both player and club believe could unlock an even more influential second campaign in Scotland.
