Kelechi Iheanacho Leaves Celtic for Newly Promoted Bursaspor
Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho has turned down a new contract with Celtic and joined Bursaspor, who have just been promoted to Turkey’s second tier.
The Scottish champions had tabled a new offer for the 29-year-old striker after he helped them to the domestic double during an injury-affected season.
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But Bursaspor, who won the TFF Second League last season, have announced the signing of Iheanacho and paraded him in their own green and white hoops.
The news comes a day after Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson revealed it was proving “difficult” to add to their squad this summer because they are competing with big-spending English Championship clubs for players.
Celtic have made just one signing this summer so far – Colombian striker Camilo Duran from Qarabag for an undisclosed fee.
They remain short of centre-forward options before the new season amid uncertainty over the future of Japan international Daizen Maeda, who is entering the final year of his contract.
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Former Manchester City and Leicester City forward Iheanacho hit nine goals for Celtic last season, having joined as a free agent after the summer transfer window closed.
He missed a chunk of the season with a hamstring injury and only started two games after October.
However, Iheanacho – who joined from Sevilla in 2025 – scored six goals coming off the bench as Celtic won their final nine games to clinch a Scottish league and cup Double.
