Celtic to make Iheanacho contract decision: Why the renewal may not happen

Kelechi Iheanacho’s future at Celtic remains uncertain despite his late-season heroics helping the Hoops clinch a dramatic Scottish Premiership title, Afrik Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker, who joined Celtic on a free transfer, became one of Martin O’Neill’s most trusted impact players in the closing weeks of the campaign, delivering crucial late goals as the club edged out Hearts in one of the tightest title races in recent years.

But with his current deal nearing its end, Celtic are yet to make a final call on whether to offer him fresh terms, with a decision expected at the end of June.

While Iheanacho is understood to be eager to remain in Glasgow, questions over his fitness and long-term reliability may complicate any potential extension.

Celtic to make Kelechi Iheanacho contract decision

After a turbulent few seasons in England and Spain, Celtic offered Iheanacho a chance to reset his career.

Although he struggled for regular starts, making the league XI only four times all season, the 29-year-old showed glimpses of the instinctive finisher that once made him one of Nigeria’s brightest attacking talents.

His role under Martin O’Neill became increasingly important as the title race tightened. Rather than being relied on as a starter, Iheanacho became a game-changer from the bench, a role he embraced effectively.

That impact has strengthened his case for renewal. According to the Mirror, Iheanacho wants to stay and could potentially see out the final years of his career in Scotland if Celtic decide to keep him.

O’Neill is entering his first full season back at the club and is expected to oversee another squad rebuild. That means every contract decision will be made with sustainability and tactical fit in mind, and that is where Iheanacho’s situation becomes complicated.

Why the renewal may not happen

Iheanacho’s biggest obstacle is fitness. The report makes it clear that concerns have been raised over the striker’s physical condition, which partly explains why he was limited to just four starts despite his strong end to the campaign.

For Celtic, this matters. The club are preparing for another domestic title defence and, more importantly, another crack at Europe. To compete on multiple fronts, O’Neill needs attackers he can trust over a full season, not just in short bursts.

At 29, Iheanacho is no longer viewed as a developmental asset. Unlike younger players who can grow in value, his next contract would be based almost entirely on immediate output.

That makes his availability just as important as ability. There is also the wider tactical picture.

The Hoops are already looking to strengthen in attack, with Borussia Dortmund youngster Cole Campbell among those linked, while Elijah Just is also being monitored as part of a summer rebuild.

That suggests O’Neill may prefer fresher, more dynamic options. If Celtic commit resources to younger forwards, Iheanacho’s place becomes harder to justify.

And while his impact from the bench was significant, modern football demands forwards who can press, run and start consistently, all areas where fitness becomes non-negotiable.

For Iheanacho, staying at Celtic would offer stability for another year, but for the club, the decision may come down to whether the emotional value outweighs practical planning.

At this point, the signs suggest Celtic admire what he offers, the question is whether they trust his body enough to offer one more year.