Iheanacho: Celtic urged to extend Super Eagles forward’s stay after impressive run

Former Scotland and Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton has weighed in on the future of Kelechi Iheanacho at Celtic ahead of the summer transfer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

Iheanacho’s future has remained uncertain heading into the end of the season, with his current contract set to expire this summer. However, Celtic still hold the option to extend the deal by an additional year.

The Super Eagles forward has been in outstanding form in recent weeks, scoring six goals in his last nine appearances across all competitions and played a key role in the club’s domestic double triumph.

The 29-year-old made a huge impact off the bench for Celtic with decisive goals, including a dramatic 99th-minute winner in the 3-2 victory over Motherwell that pushed the Scottish title race to the final day, before the Hoops eventually beat Hearts to secure the league title.

Iheanacho also scored twice in the Scottish Cup semifinal win over St Mirren before finding the net again in the final against Dunfermline Athletic to help Celtic seal a 3-1 victory and lift the trophy.

Alan Hutton backs Kelechi Iheanacho for Celtic stay

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho joined Celtic on a one-year deal from Spanish side Sevilla last summer where he struggled for consistency. He has endured an injury-disrupted campaign in Scotland and at one point, it appeared likely that he would leave the club at the end of the season.

However, Iheanacho returned to full fitness at a crucial stage of the season and played an important role in helping Celtic secure a domestic double, reigniting talks of an extension.

Alan Hutton believes Celtic should do everything possible to extend the Nigerian forward’s stay for at least another season following his strong finish to the campaign.

“I would extend his deal”, the former Tottenham Hotspur defender revealed during an interview.

“He’s come into the club, not been playing a lot of football, had injuries throughout the season, you could tell he wasn’t right when he first signed.

“His technical ability has always been there, you can see that, we know what he’s capable of. His impact in games – he’s scored goals, important goals”, he added.

“If you were to give him another deal… financially, if it’s good for the club and it’s good for the player, I think it’s a no-brainer.”

Iheanacho joined Celtic after the transfer window had already closed and he was unable to take part in pre-season preparations, which affected his fitness levels during the early stages of his spell at the club.

Hutton, however, believes a full pre-season would help the striker reach top conditions ahead of next season.

“He’ll have a full pre-season under him, he’s 29, it’s not like he’s old, he’s got plenty of football left in him. They won’t have to manage his minutes moving forward if they extend the deal.

“Why would you not have somebody with that ability?”, Sutton concluded.

Iheanacho ended his debut season in Scotland with a domestic double and will now hope to secure a contract extension that would keep him at Celtic beyond the summer as he looks to win even more trophies with the club.