Henry Onyekuru to Bursaspor: Why this is a last chance saloon

Super Eagles attacker Henry Onyekuru has been linked with a transfer to Turkish Lig 1 club Bursaspor after almost five months without a club.

​The 29-year-old attacker was at Gençlerbirliği last season, but that transfer was a massive failure, as he failed to score or assist in any of his 19 appearances. During that campaign, he fell out with the club and was exiled from the team. He notably even travelled to London towards the end of the season, when the club was desperately fighting relegation.

​The narrative at the time was that Onyekuru was an underperforming player and did not work hard enough. But that might not really have been the case, as the striker was reportedly owed salaries earlier in the season and had issues with the management.

​However, that spell left a major dent in Onyekuru’s career, as it was always going to be more difficult for him to get a club in a major top-flight league afterwards.

​That was precisely what happened, as the Super Eagles star was not linked to any top club in Turkey or Europe during the summer transfer window. Speculation surrounding his future went quiet until recently, when Bursaspor emerged as a potential destination.

​The club currently tops the Turkish second tier with 28 points from 12 games, and they are looking to secure promotion to the Süper Lig.

​Reports suggest that Onyekuru could join the club in the January transfer window, as all details of the move are believed to have already been agreed.

​Did Kelechi Iheanacho Have A Hand In Henry Onyekuru’s Transfer?

​Kelechi Iheanacho has been brilliant for Bursaspor since joining the club on a free transfer in the summer. So far, he has registered 16 goals and three assists in 12 games. He has scored in every single game he has played this season—a record-breaking feat.

Kelechi Iheanacho scores his 16th goal of the season 👏 He has now scored in 13 consecutive matches for Club and country 🇳🇬🫶 https://t.co/GYMmdiKnhN

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) October 25, 2026

​It could be that Iheanacho’s brilliant scoring streak influenced the club to sign another Nigerian forward. Alternatively, he may have recommended Onyekuru to the hierarchy himself.

​As of now, there is nothing concrete from the club to confirm this. But the Nigerian connection cannot be overlooked.

​Why Henry Onyekuru Must Not Fail At Bursaspor

​A move to Bursaspor is on the horizon for Henry Onyekuru, and while it is positive that he is returning to professional football, this might also be the last chance saloon for him.

​The Gençlerbirliği stint made him less attractive in the transfer market. If he moves to Bursaspor and fails to perform, he might not get another opportunity at that level, let alone secure a move to a notable top-flight league.

​On the other hand, if he shines there, his stock will rise again, and he could even make the step up with the club if they gain promotion to the Süper Lig.

​Onyekuru has achieved great things in Turkey before. He has to roll back the years and prove his quality this time around.