Iheanacho agrees Celtic deal

Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho has reached a verbal agreement to join Scottish Premiership side Celtic after terminating his contract with Sevilla.

Sevilla confirmed the termination of Iheanacho’s deal, which was due to run until June 2026.

Sports journalist George Tsarouchas reported on X on Tuesday that Iheanacho has now reached a verbal agreement to sign for the Scotland champions.

“Kelechi Iheanacho has reached a verbal agreement to sign for Celtic FC after terminating his contract with Sevilla FC,” Tsarouchas wrote.

He added that Turkish side Samsunspor remain in the race, having submitted a new offer in the hope the striker might reconsider in the coming hours.

Transfer insider Onyebuchi Onokala also confirmed on X that Celtic had negotiated with Sevilla before Iheanacho’s contract was mutually terminated.

Onokala explained that Celtic had offered the forward a two-year contract and were awaiting an immediate response. He further revealed that Iheanacho had received offers from two Turkish clubs, but personal terms could not be agreed.

“Celtic were in negotiations with Sevilla for Kelechi Iheanacho before his contract was mutually terminated, and now they have sent him a contract of 2years as a free agent.

“Iheanacho had a good offer from 2 Turkish clubs but personal terms could not agreed,” Onokala reported.

In an official statement on Monday evening, Sevilla said, “Sevilla FC and Iheanacho have reached an agreement to terminate the striker’s contract, which was originally set to run until June 2026. The club wishes to thank Iheanacho for his efforts during this period and extends its best wishes for his future.”

Iheanacho made 11 appearances in Sevilla colours, scoring three goals, and also spent part of last season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he featured 15 times, registering one goal and two assists.

The 28-year-old joined Sevilla on a free transfer last summer following the end of his contract with Leicester City but struggled to establish himself as a regular under manager Matías Almeyda. Sevilla’s sporting director Víctor Orta deemed him surplus to requirements.

His exit coincided with Sevilla’s busy end to the transfer window, which saw the arrivals of Batista Mendy, Fábio Cardoso and Alexis Sánchez. With his contract rescinded, Iheanacho is now a free agent.

According to Sky Sports, Celtic are seeking a replacement for Adam Idah following his £7m move to Swansea City. Reporter Anthony Joseph noted that discussions between the Scottish club and Iheanacho could “pave the way to a permanent switch” to Glasgow. As Iheanacho is not restricted by the Scottish transfer deadline, Celtic could complete a deal outside the window.

Iheanacho, who has 58 caps for Nigeria and won the FA Cup with Leicester City, is expected to add experience and firepower to Celtic’s attacking options, providing a timely solution for the club as they continue their Scottish Premiership defence.