Kelechi Iheanacho transfer: Three clubs ex-Sevilla striker can join if Celtic renewal fails

Kelechi Iheanacho’s future at Celtic remains unresolved, with the Scottish champions yet to confirm whether they will trigger the one-year extension clause in his contract, Afrik Foot reports.

The 29-year-old arrived at Parkhead last September on a free transfer following his departure from Sevilla, signing a one-year deal with an option to extend for an additional year.

What followed was a campaign that swung between frustration and brilliance in equal measure. Injuries disrupted his momentum throughout, and Iheanacho completed a full 90 minutes just twice in the just-concluded campaign.

Manager Martin O’Neill managed his workload carefully, deploying him primarily as an impact substitute rather than a starter.

Yet when the pressure was at its highest, Iheanacho delivered with composure, scoring six goals in nine games during the run-in to help the Hoops win the Premiership title that looked out of reach at some point.

The decision on his future, however, rests entirely with Celtic. The ball is largely in the club’s court, with Celtic holding an option to extend the striker’s contract for another season.

His desire to stay is not in question. He stopped interim manager Martin O’Neill in the hotel lift on the morning of the Scottish Cup Final and asked if he would be given another year.

“Hopefully, I will be here next season. I am really happy to wear a Celtic shirt and to play for them with all my heart.”

Three clubs Iheanacho can join if Celtic renewal fails

Should Celtic decide against triggering the extension clause, Iheanacho would enter the market as a free agent with nine goals, a domestic double, and a Scottish Cup Final goal to an already-stacked resume.

Afrik Foot highlights three clubs that can consider the one-time FA Cup winner on a free deal, if Celtic fails to renew his contract.

1. Coventry City

The Sky Blues secured their return to the Premier League after 24 years, and their immediate priority will be assembling a squad capable of surviving the top-flight.

Iheanacho’s Premier League pedigree, built across seasons at Manchester City and Leicester City, where he won the FA Cup and scored the winner in the Community Shield, gives him an immediate advantage.

The 2013 U-17 FIFA World Cup also holds records in England, some of which are simply unbreakable. He’s the first and only player to score a Premier League day on each day of the week.

A technically gifted, experienced forward available on a free transfer will be smart business for Frank Lampard’s side.

2. Trabzonspor

With Al Ahli circling Paul Onuachu and Trabzonspor facing a genuine possibility of losing their 26-goal striker this summer, the Turkish club will need a replacement who can shoulder the goalscoring burden without requiring an enormous transfer fee.

Iheanacho, available for free, fits the bill. He is a proven finisher with Champions League experience and has shown that he can deliver decisive goals in high-pressure moments.

Trabzonspor’s ambitions of challenging Galatasaray for the Super Lig title next season demand a striker of similar quality to Onuachu, and while Iheanacho’s profile differs from the towering Nigerian’s aerial dominance, his technical intelligence, especially when paired with another striker, stands a chance of going against Victor Osimhen’s side.

3. Olympique de Marseille

Marseille are facing the possibility of losing Mason Greenwood and are actively scouting striker options ahead of the new season.

While Akor Adams remains their primary target, the financial regulations constraining the French club this summer mean that pursuing multiple attacking options is necessary.

Iheanacho arriving on a free transfer would cost Marseille nothing in transfer fees, freeing up budget for other areas of the squad.

The Ligue 1 stage would also serve as a bigger platform for his return to the Super Eagles squad. Regular football at a high-profile club with a passionate fanbase keeps him on the radar of the Franco-Malian tactician.