Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have opened discussions with Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho over a new contract following his influential performances during the club’s title-winning campaign.
The forward, who joined the Hoops on a free transfer last season, made a significant impact during his first year at the club and is now the subject of efforts by Celtic to secure his future.
Iheanacho played an important role as Celtic completed a domestic double, delivering a series of decisive goals throughout the campaign.
Among his key contributions were vital strikes against Kilmarnock, Dundee, Hibernian and Motherwell, helping the Glasgow side maintain their successful season.
Despite recent reports linking the 29-year-old with a move to Turkey, the latest developments indicate the Nigeria international is now expected to remain with Celtic.
The club’s manager, Martin O’Neill, has confirmed that discussions are under way as Celtic seek to reach an agreement with the former Manchester City forward before preparations for the new season gather pace.
Speaking about the negotiations, O’Neill stressed the importance of concluding a deal quickly so the striker can benefit fully from pre-season training.
“I’d like to do something with him, (Iheanacho),” O’Neill was quoted by Celtic Way.
“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.”
The comments underline Celtic’s desire to retain a player who proved to be an important contributor after arriving without a transfer fee.
Iheanacho’s performances during the previous campaign helped strengthen the club’s attacking options, with his goals arriving at key moments as Celtic secured domestic success.
His impact following his arrival has now prompted the Scottish champions to pursue a fresh agreement rather than allow uncertainty over his future to continue.
The negotiations also come after speculation over a possible move away from Scotland, with Turkish clubs reportedly linked with the striker. However, Celtic’s decision to begin contract talks suggests the club view him as part of their plans going forward.
Manager Martin O’Neill has made clear that completing the deal as early as possible is a priority, particularly to ensure Iheanacho is able to participate in a full pre-season programme, something the forward was unable to do before the previous campaign.
Should an agreement be reached, Iheanacho would continue his stay with the Scottish champions after an impressive first season in Glasgow, where his goals against Kilmarnock, Dundee, Hibernian and Motherwell contributed to Celtic’s successful pursuit of a domestic double.
With discussions now under way, Celtic will hope to finalise a new contract that keeps the Nigeria international at the club as preparations begin for the defence of their Scottish Premiership title and further domestic challenges in the coming season.
