Former Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho has chosen to continue his career with newly promoted Turkish second-tier club Bursaspor after declining the opportunity to remain with Scottish champions Celtic.
The former Manchester City, Leicester City and Middlesbrough striker has opted against signing a fresh contract at Parkhead despite playing a role in Celtic’s successful domestic campaign last season, according to Sports247.
Iheanacho was part of the Celtic squad that secured both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup, contributing nine goals during the campaign after arriving at the club as a free agent.
The 29-year-old forward made the move to Scotland after his contract with Spanish side Sevilla was cancelled, allowing him to join Celtic once the summer transfer window had already closed.
Despite enjoying productive spells in front of goal, Iheanacho’s season was disrupted by injuries, limiting his opportunities during the opening months of the campaign.
Those fitness problems caused him to miss several matches, and after October he was named in the starting line-up on only two occasions.
Although Celtic extended a new contract offer following the season, Iheanacho has instead decided to begin a new chapter in Turkey with Bursaspor, who recently secured promotion to the country’s second division.
The move marks a change in direction for the striker, who has previously played in England’s Premier League and Championship, as well as Spain’s top flight and the Scottish Premiership.
Iheanacho began his professional career in England with Manchester City before later representing Leicester City and Middlesbrough. His latest transfer sees him join a Bursaspor side preparing for life in Turkey’s second tier following promotion.
The report suggests that the reduced physical demands of playing in the Turkish second division may have influenced the striker’s decision.
While the move is expected to take him away from the level of attention associated with top-flight football and European competition, it could also provide an opportunity for more consistent playing time after an injury-affected campaign in Scotland.
Despite spending much of last season outside the starting line-up, Iheanacho still made important contributions for Celtic.
Six of his nine goals came after he was introduced from the substitutes’ bench, underlining his impact as a replacement during the closing stages of the season.
His contributions coincided with Celtic’s strong finish to the campaign, as the club won its final nine matches to complete a domestic league and cup double.
Iheanacho, a product of the Taye Football Academy in Owerri, now faces a fresh challenge with Bursaspor as the Turkish club prepares for its return to the second division.
The transfer also brings an end to his brief spell at Celtic, where injuries restricted his opportunities but where he nevertheless helped the club achieve domestic success.
By choosing Bursaspor over a renewed stay in Glasgow, Iheanacho has elected to pursue the next stage of his career in Turkey, bringing to a close a season in which he combined silverware with valuable goals despite limited starts.
