Scottish giants Celtic FC have officially confirmed the signing of Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer, bringing one of Africa’s most prolific strikers back under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers.
The 28-year-old Super Eagles striker parted ways with Sevilla on transfer deadline day after the Spanish club terminated his contract, paving the way for a dramatic late switch to Glasgow. His arrival comes at a crucial moment for Celtic, who were in urgent need of attacking reinforcements following the £6 million sale of Adam Idah to Swansea City.
Iheanacho’s connection with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers proved decisive. The pair worked together at Leicester City, where the Nigerian enjoyed some of the most productive years of his career, including lifting the 2021 FA Cup. Rodgers was keen on reuniting with a player he once described as “a natural goalscorer with big-game instincts.”
The Nigerian star arrives in Scotland with a wealth of experience, having played in the Premier League with Manchester City and Leicester City, before his brief spell in La Liga. Across his career, Iheanacho has scored over 70 senior goals, while also earning more than 50 caps for the Nigerian national team, including appearances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and multiple AFCON tournaments.
For Celtic fans, the signing represents a major coup. The club had earlier pursued Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana, only for the Ivorian striker to opt for a loan move to Charlton. Securing Iheanacho instead, without a transfer fee, has been hailed by Scottish media as one of the shrewdest moves of the window.
Iheanacho himself expressed delight at the move, telling Celtic TV: “Celtic is a massive club with history, passion, and ambition. I am excited to play in front of these incredible fans and to fight for titles. Working again with Brendan Rodgers feels like coming home.”
The Nigerian will be unveiled to supporters at Celtic Park this weekend and could make his debut in the upcoming Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts. Expectations are high that his arrival will boost Celtic’s firepower as they chase domestic glory and prepare for another Champions League campaign.
