Celtic transfer: 2 key roles lined up for Kelechi Iheanacho as Super Eagles star nears new contract

Kelechi Iheanacho is edging closer to completing a return to Scottish champions Celtic after advanced talks over a new two-year contract gathered pace in Glasgow, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker became a free agent after Celtic allowed the automatic one-year extension in his previous contract to expire on June 30, 2026. However, the club quickly changed direction, with manager Martin O’Neill making it clear that bringing the Nigerian back to Parkhead has become one of his priorities before the start of the new campaign.

According to reports from Football Insider, Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson has been leading negotiations with Iheanacho’s representatives, with discussions progressing positively.

The 29-year-old has also shown his commitment to the Scottish giants by rejecting offers from clubs in Turkey, Qatar, Brazil and Major League Soccer. Despite having opportunities to move elsewhere on attractive financial terms, Iheanacho is understood to have made it clear that he wants to continue his career in Glasgow.

Celtic are eager to complete the deal before the squad returns fully for pre-season. Last year, Iheanacho only joined the club in September after missing the entire summer preparation period. The delayed arrival affected his fitness, making it difficult for him to reach top condition and contributing to several injury setbacks during the season.

Even with those challenges, the Nigerian still made an important contribution, scoring nine goals in all competitions as Celtic completed another domestic Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Celtic: Clear roles waiting for Iheanacho next season

Although Iheanacho impressed with his finishing ability last season, he started only four Scottish Premiership matches. His biggest influence often came after coming off the bench, and Celtic now appear ready to build on that strength.

Reports indicate that O’Neill intends to continue using the Nigerian as a specialist impact substitute. The plan is for Iheanacho to enter matches during the final 25 to 30 minutes when opposition defenders begin to tire. His sharp movement, intelligent positioning and clinical finishing are expected to give Celtic a fresh attacking option late in games.

The coaching staff are believed to have some concerns about asking Iheanacho to play the full 90 minutes regularly. Instead, they want to maximise his effectiveness by introducing him when matches are more open and spaces become available.

His second role will be as part of a rotating front-two system. Rather than operating as a lone striker, Iheanacho is expected to play alongside new £6 million Colombian signing Camilo Duran in selected matches.

In that partnership, Iheanacho would often drop into deeper positions to link midfield with attack, creating chances while allowing Duran to stay higher up the pitch. His vision, passing ability and experience make him well suited to this creative link-man role.

Competition for places will remain strong, with Japanese forward Daizen Maeda also expected to feature prominently in Celtic’s attack. However, the club sees Iheanacho as an important squad player whose versatility can provide different tactical options across domestic and European competitions.

If the contract is completed in time, Iheanacho will finally enjoy a full pre-season with Celtic, giving him a better opportunity to improve his fitness and establish himself in the squad for the challenges ahead.