Kelechi Iheanacho wechselt zum türkischen Bursaspor

Kelechi Iheanacho has completed a permanent move to Turkish club Bursaspor, ending his three-year stint with Scottish champions Celtic. The 29-year-old forward, who previously played for Leicester City and Manchester City, rejected a new contract offer from Celtic and has signed with Bursaspor, a team currently competing in the Turkish second division. Iheanacho departed Glasgow after contributing to Celtic's success during the 2024/25 season, which saw the club win both the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup despite being hampered by injuries. His time at Celtic was marked by a recurring hamstring issue, limiting his appearances to just two starts after October. Nonetheless, he managed to score nine goals across all competitions, including six as a substitute, playing a key role in the club's late-season surge. Bursaspor, who secured promotion to the Turkish second tier by winning the TFF Second League last season, officially announced Iheanacho’s arrival on Friday. The Nigerian will don the club’s traditional green and white kit, marking a new chapter in his career. This move follows Iheanacho’s departure from Sevilla, where he was released at the end of the 2025 summer transfer window. Celtic faced challenges during the current transfer window, struggling to attract top talent due to competition from financially stronger English Championship clubs. The club’s chief executive, Michael Nicholson, acknowledged the difficulty in strengthening the squad, noting that they have only made one signing so far, Colombian striker Camilo Duran, acquired from Qarabag for an undisclosed fee. The situation at Celtic has been further complicated by uncertainty surrounding the future of Japan international Daizen Maeda, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season. With Maeda potentially leaving, Celtic face limited options in attack as they prepare for the new campaign. Iheanacho’s departure adds to the club’s difficulties in reinforcing its attacking options. Iheanacho’s journey to Celtic began as a free agent after his exit from Sevilla. Despite missing much of the season due to injury, he remained a consistent performer, providing crucial goals when needed. His contributions helped Celtic maintain their dominance in the league and reach the final stages of the domestic cup competitions. As Bursaspor looks to build on their recent promotion, Iheanacho’s experience and goal-scoring ability could prove vital in their quest for stability and success in the Turkish second division. His decision to join the club reflects a desire for a new challenge, particularly after spending several years in Scotland. The Nigerian’s move marks another step in his evolving career, offering him a chance to play regularly and contribute to a team aiming for higher ambitions.