Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho is set for a new chapter in Turkey after agreeing a three-year contract with Bursaspor, bringing an end to Celtic’s hopes of keeping the Nigerian beyond last season, Footynaija.com reports.
As confirmed by the club, Bursaspor have reached a full agreement with Iheanacho, with officials travelling to complete the remaining formalities before the transfer is officially announced.
The move comes after the 29-year-old turned down Celtic’s contract extension offer despite enjoying an impressive spell at Parkhead. Iheanacho had revived his career in Scotland following a difficult period that included spells with Sevilla and Middlesbrough, becoming important in Celtic’s attack.
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His performances convinced Celtic to push for a new deal, with the Scottish champions keen to keep him as part of their plans for the new campaign. However, negotiations failed to produce an agreement.
Bursaspor have been searching for an experienced striker to lead their attack as they continue rebuilding after years of financial and sporting struggles. Once one of Turkey’s biggest clubs and champions in 2010, they have endured a dramatic decline that saw them fall down the country’s football pyramid.
After beginning their climb back, the club have become increasingly ambitious in the transfer market, identifying Iheanacho as one of the players that can lead their resurgence.
The decision is expected to disappoint many Celtic supporters, who had hoped the Nigerian would remain after producing several important goals during the second half of last season in domestic and European competitions.
For Iheanacho, the move offers stability. After leaving Leicester City in 2024, his career has taken him through Spain, England and Scotland. While flashes of his quality remained evident, he struggled to settle for a while. Bursaspor now appear ready to hand the former FIFA Under-17 World Cup winner the responsibility of leading their attack over the next three seasons.
