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7 clusters · 15 sources · 75 days · First seen · Last updated

Iheanacho signs for Bursaspor after Celtic talks fail

Overview

Celtic’s option to extend Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract lapsed in late June 2026, prompting a period of negotiations. By early July, the club opened formal talks to secure the striker before pre-season, while interest from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, MLS, and Brazil’s Vasco da Gama persisted.

On 20 July 2026, Iheanacho—a free agent after Celtic’s two-year renewal offer was described by the player as “disrespectful” and roughly half his earlier salary—joined Turkish second-division side Bursaspor on a three-year deal that met his full wage demands. The move ended Celtic’s pursuit and sparked discussion in Nigerian football circles about a trend of international players opting for lower-profile leagues.

Two days later, Iheanacho said Bursaspor presented him with a “big project” aimed at rapid promotion to the Super Lig and European competition. He noted an annual salary of about £1.2 million (£23,000 per week) and expressed excitement to help the former champion achieve its goals, even remarking on the visual similarity between the green-white kits of Celtic and Bursaspor.

Iheanacho made a successful debut for Bursaspor on 10 August 2026, recording one goal and one assist in a 2-0 away victory against Bodrum FK. The performance earned him Man of the Match honors and placed Bursaspor second in the early standings of the 2026/27 1. Lig season.

On 8 September 2026, Iheanacho scored twice to lead Bursaspor to a 2-1 comeback victory against Manisa. After Manisa took an early lead, Iheanacho equalized with an individual effort and secured the win in stoppage time by capitalizing on a goalkeeper mistake. This performance extended his scoring streak to six consecutive league matches, bringing his total to eight goals and two assists in his first six appearances.

Entities

Kelechi Iheanacho · Bursaspor · Bodrum FK · Cheikne Sylla · Vedat Karakuş

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Kelechi Iheanacho scores twice in Bursaspor comeback win over Manisa

    Kelechi Iheanacho scored two goals to secure a 2-1 comeback win for Bursaspor against Manisa, extending his scoring streak to six consecutive matches.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Kelechi Iheanacho scores and assists on Bursaspor debut

    Kelechi Iheanacho scored and assisted in his debut for Bursaspor, leading the team to a 2-0 victory over Bodrum FK in their 2026/27 Turkish 1. Lig season opener.

  3. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Kelechi Iheanacho joins Bursaspor, leaves Celtic for Turkish project

    Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho, 29, left Celtic for Bursaspor, attracted by the Turkish club’s promotion project and a £1.2 m yearly contract, rejecting Celtic’s new offer.

  4. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho signs for Turkish second‑division side Bursaspor

    Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho rejected a reduced Celtic contract and signed a three‑year deal with Turkish second‑division side Bursaspor, sparking debate over Nigerian players moving to lower‑profile clubs

  5. 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Kelechi Iheanacho's Celtic future attracts interest from Middle East clubs

    Celtic are negotiating to re‑sign free‑agent Kelechi Iheanacho as Saudi, Qatari and other clubs chase the striker, risking a costly loss before pre‑season.

  6. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Kelechi Iheanacho's Celtic contract expires, future uncertain amid Turkish interest

    Celtic let Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract option expire, making him a free agent; he is training in Nigeria while Turkish clubs lead interest.

  7. 3 months ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Celtic faces decision on Kelechi Iheanacho's contract extension

    Celtic must decide whether to extend Kelechi Iheanacho's contract, which ends 30 June, after his key role in the league‑title and cup double, amid interest from Turkey and Brazil.

Sources

ajansspor.com · blueprint.ng · celticnewsnow.com · celtsarehere.com · dailyrecord.co.uk · irishmirror.ie · nigeriafootball.ng · pmnewsnigeria.com · primanews.org · pulsesports.ng · punchng.com · soccernet.com.ng · soccernet.ng · sports247.ng · thevoicenewsmagazine.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history