Celtic have completed the signing of Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho on a one-year deal, beating the UEFA Europa League registration deadline by mere hours and injecting fresh optimism into a fanbase that had grown restless over the club’s transfer activity.
The 28-year-old striker arrives as a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Sevilla just 24 hours prior to the move. His arrival comes in the wake of Celtic’s failure to secure a striker on deadline day, a misstep that drew sharp criticism from supporters and the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters Clubs, who demanded accountability from chief executive Michael Nicholson.
Manager Brendan Rodgers, however, believes Iheanacho is the ideal remedy. “He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate,” Rodgers told Celtic’s official website. “He has great experience and he is right in his peak years, so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”
Rodgers is no stranger to Iheanacho’s qualities, having managed him during his seven-year spell at Leicester City. The pair enjoyed success together, including an FA Cup triumph in 2021, and Rodgers is confident the forward will thrive in Glasgow. “He will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings,” he added.
The signing also helps fill the void left by Adam Idah, who was sold to Swansea City on deadline day despite Rodgers previously stating he wouldn’t be allowed to leave without a replacement. Iheanacho’s arrival, albeit belated, offers Celtic a proven goal scorer with pedigree at the highest level.
Iheanacho began his career at Manchester City, where he won the League Cup and made a name for himself as a clinical finisher. He has been capped 59 times for Nigeria and played a key role in their run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. After a brief stint with Sevilla and a loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, the striker now finds himself at Celtic Park, ready to reignite his career under a familiar manager.
With Europa League fixtures looming and domestic ambitions high, Celtic will be hoping Iheanacho’s arrival marks a turning point in their season—and that the striker’s peak years are still very much ahead of him.