Celtic: How injury record could ruin Nigeria star’s new deal

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho may be edging closer to signing a new contract with Celtic, but his recent injury history could still become the biggest obstacle to an agreement, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a productive campaign at Parkhead, scoring crucial goals as Celtic secured another domestic double.

However, despite manager Martin O’Neill expressing optimism over retaining the Nigerian, negotiations remain ongoing, with reports suggesting that the proposed deal could be heavily incentive-based.

Why Celtic are worried about Kelechi Iheanacho’s injuries

According to Football Insider, former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness believes Celtic are likely to protect themselves financially by offering Iheanacho a contract heavily tied to appearances and performance-related bonuses.

“It’s going to be structured as a pay-per-play or heavily incentivised towards appearances. That’s probably the only way,” Wyness explained.

The concern is understandable. Last season, Iheanacho struggled to maintain full fitness throughout the campaign. Despite scoring nine goals in all competitions, he made only four Scottish Premiership starts and was frequently used as an impact substitute.

Recurring hamstring problems and minor setbacks prevented him from building momentum, forcing Celtic to carefully manage his workload.

For a player approaching his 30th birthday, repeated injury interruptions inevitably raise questions about long-term reliability.

1. Frequent injuries could reduce his earning potential

One of the biggest consequences of Iheanacho’s fitness issues is financial.

Afrik Foot previously reported that Celtic have offered the Nigerian a lucrative package worth approximately £4.42 million over two years, including bonuses.

However, if much of that deal is appearance-based, injuries could significantly reduce the overall value of the contract.

The striker may secure a respectable base salary, but failure to remain available consistently would limit his ability to maximise his earnings.

From Celtic’s perspective, such a structure protects against committing substantial wages to a player who may struggle to stay fit.

For Iheanacho, it introduces uncertainty. At this stage of his career, this is possibly his final major contract in European football.

2. Injuries could affect his role within Celtic’s squad

Fitness concerns may also directly influence his importance within Martin O’Neill’s plans.

Celtic have already strengthened their attacking options with the arrival of highly-rated Colombian striker Camilo Duran, while other forwards continue pushing for regular opportunities.

Although Iheanacho proved decisive in big moments last season, football moves quickly.

Should injuries continue disrupting his availability, Celtic may gradually begin building their attack around younger, more reliable options.

The Nigerian’s experience remains highly valuable, particularly in European competitions, but repeated absences could eventually turn him into a rotational option rather than a central figure.

That uncertainty may partly explain why negotiations have yet to be concluded.

Why Celtic still want Iheanacho

Despite these concerns, Celtic remain determined to retain him. Wyness believes both parties will ultimately reach an agreement.

“He managed to pop up and score some great goals in very meaningful games,” Wyness said.

“He’ll get a reasonable basic wage, but it will be heavily appearance-based. I think both parties will be happy,” the 68-year-old added.

Very few players within Celtic’s squad possess Iheanacho’s experience at the highest level.

The former Manchester City striker has won several titles in England and represented Nigeria at several major tournaments, including the World Cup.

More importantly, he repeatedly delivered in decisive moments last season, scoring crucial goals in Celtic’s title-winning campaign.

Why staying fit matters for Nigeria too

The implications extend beyond club football. The Super Eagles’ attacking competition has become increasingly fierce.

Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria’s undisputed first-choice striker, while Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams, and Rafiu Durosinmi continue pushing for places.

Eric Chelle is unlikely to guarantee opportunities to players lacking regular football.

Should injuries continue limiting Iheanacho’s availability at Celtic, his position within the national team setup could become nonexistent.

AFCON 2027 and preparations for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers are already approaching. To remain relevant, Iheanacho needs consistency more than anything else.

A decisive period ahead

Celtic’s willingness to offer a new deal demonstrates the high regard in which they still hold the Nigerian.

However, the club’s insistence on a heavily incentivised contract also reveals lingering doubts regarding his durability.

For Iheanacho, unless he can finally overcome the injury issues that repeatedly interrupted his rhythm last season, his fitness record could become the biggest factor preventing him from fully benefiting from Celtic’s latest show of faith, and at 29, time is no longer on his side.