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Former Stiliyan Petrov has cast serious doubt over the future of Kelechi Iheanacho at Celtic despite the Nigerian striker playing a decisive role in the club’s Scottish Premiership triumph, Footynaija reports.
Iheanacho arrived at Celtic in September 2025 on a one-year contract after leaving Sevilla as a free agent. Although Celtic hold the option to extend his deal for another season, discussions over his long-term future are expected after the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic.
The 29-year-old endured a difficult campaign because of recurring fitness problems, but he became one of Celtic’s most important players during the closing weeks of the title race. Iheanacho scored five goals in his final eight league appearances, with all of them coming from the bench.
🇳🇬😁 Kelechi Iheanacho: “If you need a trophy, call me.” 📞🏆 pic.twitter.com/Ogmw8gFU5n
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 19, 2026
His late strikes against Dundee and Hibernian delivered vital points, while his dramatic 99th-minute penalty against Motherwell kept Celtic’s title hopes alive.
On the final day against Heart of Midlothian, Celtic were trailing 1-0 before Iheanacho entered the match at half-time. The Super Eagles forward transformed the game’s tempo, struck the post during a dominant spell, and inspired a comeback as Celtic secured a 3-1 victory and their 56th league title.
His eight goals in all competitions also made him the highest-scoring Nigerian in Celtic history, moving ahead of former defender Efe Ambrose.
Kelechi Iheanacho on Instagram just now. 🍀💪 pic.twitter.com/B0FBa7OOGC
— The Parkhead Faithful (@TheParkheadF) May 18, 2026
Yet Petrov believes Celtic should look elsewhere for the future. Speaking on The Scottish Football Social Club, he said: “Sorry, no. You need a striker who can compete all season, who is fit all season, who is ready, who is mobile.
“You know what? He’s done so well. For me, with what Celtic stands for, they have to go for something different. Something more powerful.
“That’s the way it is, unfortunately, at a big club. I don’t think Iheanacho is the answer for the future.”
Manager Martin O’Neill has regularly preferred Daizen Maeda in attack because of concerns surrounding Iheanacho’s fitness.
However, the Super Eagles striker appeared determined to fight for his place after reports emerged that he returned to training early ahead of the Scottish Cup final, despite the squad being given time off following their title celebrations.
