Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho is back in the transfer news this summer, with Spanish side Sevilla open to letting him leave the club just a year after securing his signature. The 28-year-old joined the Rojiblancos last summer on a free transfer following his exit from Leicester City after seven seasons.
Iheanacho netted 61 goals and registered 34 assists in 232 appearances for the Foxes and led the club to success in the FA Cup in 2021. After an underwhelming start to his Sevilla career, a loan move to Middlesbrough in January did little in restoring his confidence.
Turkish side Samsunspor are frontrunners to sign the Nigeria striker, who is yet to be registered for the new season by the Spanish club, with several other European teams also interested in his services.
Here are three reasons the Nigerian striker will fit into the Red Lightning team.
Samsunspor system suits Iheanacho’s style
Kelechi Iheanacho ‘s impressive ability to drop deep and combine with teammates will perfectly suit Samsunspor possession-based football. The Nigerian forward links up well with his teammates and can drift into spaces to pull defenders out of position.
The Super Eagles forward can also function as a lone striker or as part of a two-man partnership, as he demonstrated during his time at Leicester City with English forward Jamie Vardy.
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European experience
Kelechi Iheanacho’s European experience makes him a perfect fit for Samsunspor, who qualified for the UEFA Europa League for the first time in the club’s history after a third-placed finish last season.
Iheanacho has played several matches across all three major European club competitions, providing much-needed experience for a young Red Lightning squad.
Finishing ability
Despite finishing third in the Turkish Super League in the 2024/25 season, Samsunspor had the eight best attack in the league (55 goals), while second-placed Fenerbahce scored 45 more goals.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s reputation as a big-game player will improve the team and he can lead the line effectively. The Nigerian forward is also a reliable goalscorer and can easily finish off chances.
