Why Kelechi Iheanacho might not be a Celtic player next season

Super Eagles and Celtic striker Kelechi Promise Iheanacho might not be at the club for much longer as they prepare for key talks, Afrik Foot reports.

The 29-year-old joined the Scottish champions as a free agent last summer, after terminating what was meant to be a three-year contract with Sevilla after one season.

However, what was meant to be a fresh chapter in Glasgow has instead been disrupted by injuries.

Iheanacho’s contract with the Record Scottish Champions runs out at the end of the season, although the club have the option to extend his deal by another year.

Why Iheanacho might leave Celtic at the end of the season

A final decision is expected after the Scottish Premiership title race concludes, with the club keen to assess whether the forward has done enough to justify a renewal.

As per Football Insider, Celtic are said to hold talks with Iheanacho at the end of the season, but he has until that time to prove his worth to the one-time UEFA Champions League winners.

The former Manchester City striker has made just five league appearances this term, largely due to recurring fitness setbacks.

After showing flashes of promise early in the campaign by scoring two goals in his first three starts, his momentum was halted in December during the Premier Sports Cup final defeat to St Mirren, when he was forced off after just 35 minutes with a hamstring injury, a feat he first suffered against Sturm Graz in October.

Since then, Iheanacho has struggled to regain full fitness and has barely featured under interim boss Martin O’Neill, who returned to steady the ship in January.

While he made brief cameo appearances against Utrecht and Falkirk, he was absent from matchday squads against Dundee and Livingston as he continued his recovery programme.

Celtic recently posted images of Iheanacho back in full training ahead of their clash with Kilmarnock, suggesting he is nearing a return.

However, with the season entering its decisive phase, time is running out for the Super Eagles forward to make a meaningful impact.

Celtic have gone from being over ten points below the SPFL leaders to within three points of Hearts after winning five straight games.