Kelechi Iheanacho Joins Bursaspor After Leaving Celtic

Kelechi Iheanacho turned his back on a new Celtic deal because, in his own words, he was determined to force a move to Bursaspor.

The 29-year-old Nigeria striker revealed he instructed his representative to prioritise the Turkish club, even as the Scottish champions moved to keep him in Glasgow.

“I asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor,” Iheanacho said, laying bare how clear his mind had become.

He had only arrived at Celtic in September on a one-year contract after leaving Sevilla, following a loan spell with Middlesbrough. The agreement included an option for Celtic to extend his stay by a further year, but that deadline passed without activation.

Martin O’Neill later made it clear he wanted the forward to remain and that a fresh offer was on the table. Celtic were prepared to talk. Iheanacho, though, was already looking elsewhere.

Bursaspor stepped in. Fresh from winning the TFF Second League last season and chasing back-to-back promotions to return to the Turkish Super Lig, they moved quickly and decisively. Iheanacho followed.

The switch was confirmed last week. No hesitation, no half measures.

In his first interview with his new club, the striker spoke with the enthusiasm of a man who believes he has landed in the right place at the right time.

He described his happiness and excitement at the move, and underlined why the project appealed to him. “To be fair, Bursaspor is a big club in Turkey and I had heard that they had previously won the Turkish Super Lig,” he said.

A champion in waiting, joining a club intent on climbing again. Now the question is simple: can player and club rise together back to the top tier of Turkish football?