Why Iheanacho Left Celtic for Turkish Club Bursaspor

By Benedicta Aboh

Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho has ended his stint with Scottish champions Celtic after rejecting a new contract and completing a move to newly promoted Turkish side Bursaspor.

Bursaspor, who secured promotion to Turkey's second-tier league after winning the TFF Second League title last season, confirmed the signing of the 29-year-old striker and officially unveiled him in the club's famous green-and-white colours.

Iheanacho's departure comes despite Celtic's efforts to keep the former Super Eagles forward following his contribution to the club's domestic league and cup double last season.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill had publicly expressed his desire to retain Iheanacho, whose campaign was disrupted by a hamstring injury.

Despite limited playing time, the former Manchester City and Leicester City striker scored nine goals, including six as a substitute, helping Celtic win their final nine matches of the season to secure the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup titles.

The Nigerian joined Celtic as a free agent after leaving Spanish club Sevilla in 2025. However, injuries restricted his appearances, with only two starts after October.

The move comes as Celtic continue to face challenges in strengthening their squad ahead of the new season. Chief Executive Michael Nicholson recently admitted the club is struggling to compete with cash-rich English Championship clubs in the transfer market.

So far, Celtic have signed only Colombian striker Camilo Duran from Qarabag, while uncertainty also surrounds the future of Japanese forward Daizen Maeda, whose contract expires at the end of the coming season.

Meanwhile, Uruguayan left-back Marcelo Saracchi has confirmed he will not be returning to Celtic after his loan spell from Boca Juniors. In a farewell message to supporters, Saracchi said he and his representatives did everything possible to secure a permanent return to Glasgow but were unsuccessful.

Also leaving Celtic is Polish defender Maik Nawrocki, who has signed a four-year deal with French Ligue 1 side Lens after spending last season on loan at German club Hannover 96.