Iheanacho rejects Celtic reunion in favour of Turkish switch

Kelechi Iheanacho, the Super Eagles striker, has opted against a return to Scottish champions Celtic, instead choosing to join Turkish club Bursaspor on a three-year contract that will see him remain at the club until the summer of 2029.

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Iheanacho's decision to join Bursaspor came after his contract with Celtic expired on June 30, with the Scottish club having declined to activate a 12-month extension, and the player subsequently turning down fresh terms to pursue a new opportunity.

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Bursaspor's financial package proved to be a significant factor in Iheanacho's decision, with the Turkish club presenting an offer that far exceeded what Celtic were willing to provide.

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The signing was announced by Bursaspor on Friday, with the club unveiling Iheanacho in an innovative Odyssey-themed video that was shared across their social media platforms, generating considerable attention from football fans in both Turkey and Nigeria.

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Iheanacho's move to Bursaspor marks the latest chapter in a career that has seen him play for several prominent clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester City, and Sevilla, before his stint with Celtic.

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Despite struggling with injuries during the 2025/26 season, Iheanacho managed to score nine goals in 24 appearances for Celtic, earning a reputation as a reliable player off the bench, with five of those goals coming in his final eight appearances of the campaign.

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Notable highlights from Iheanacho's time at Celtic include scoring decisive late winners against Motherwell, Dundee, and Hibernian, as well as converting a stoppage-time penalty in a 3-2 win over Motherwell, and scoring in Celtic's 3-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final.

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Iheanacho's arrival at Bursaspor comes after the club secured the 2025/26 TFF 2. Lig title and automatic promotion, with the team having demonstrated attacking strength throughout the campaign, including an impressive 8-0 win over Yeni Malatyaspor.

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Although Bursaspor's Turkish Cup run was cut short in the third qualifying round, following a 3-0 defeat to Antalyaspor, the club is now focused on strengthening its squad, with Iheanacho's signing seen as a significant statement of intent as Bursaspor pushes for another promotion to Turkey's top flight.