Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are expected to make a decision on Kelechi Iheanacho‘s future in the coming weeks, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
The Nigeria international joined Brendan Rodgers’ side last summer on a one-year contract, with the club retaining an option to extend his stay for a further season.
Footy-Africa’s sources close to the situation have indicated that the extension clause can be activated solely at Celtic’s discretion, giving the club full control over whether Iheanacho remains at Parkhead beyond this summer.
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Despite enduring an injury-hit campaign, Iheanacho played an important role in Celtic’s successful season, helping the club secure both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup. The former Leicester City forward returned from fitness setbacks at a crucial stage of the campaign and contributed several important goals as Celtic completed a domestic double.
Footy-Africa understands that no final decision has been taken regarding the 29-year-old’s future. While Iheanacho is believed to be open to remaining in Glasgow, the next move rests firmly with the Scottish champions.
The feeling within Celtic is that there is significant appreciation for the striker’s quality and experience. However, concerns remain over his fitness record after he missed several key matches throughout the season.
Iheanacho made 24 appearances across all competitions during the campaign, although only eight of those came as starts. He completed the full 90 minutes on just two occasions but still managed to score nine goals and provide one assist.
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The club are expected to enter the transfer market in search of a first-choice striker this summer, although Iheanacho could still have a role to play as a valuable squad option, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Japanese forward Daizen Maeda.
Should Celtic opt against activating the extension clause, the former Manchester City forward is unlikely to be short of offers. He has already attracted interest from several clubs in Turkey ahead of the summer transfer window.
