Celtic is in talks to bring Kelechi Iheanacho back to the team. Manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that discussions are happening as the Scottish champions aim to strengthen their squad for the 2026/27 season.
The Nigerian player became a free agent after his one-year contract ended this summer. Celtic decided not to use the extension clause in his contract, despite his strong performance during the league and cup-winning season.
Iheanacho was key in important matches, scoring goals against Dundee, Hibernian, and Motherwell. He also scored a late penalty that helped secure a three-two win over Motherwell. In the Scottish Cup, he netted vital extra-time goals in the semi-final against St Mirren and in the final against Dunfermline.
O’Neill wants to resolve Iheanacho's future quickly so he can join the team for a full pre-season. Last year, injuries prevented him from doing so.
“I would like to do something with him,” O’Neill said.
“If we can do something relatively quickly, at least he then gets started in pre-season, which is really important for him. It is something he did not have last year. So that would be nice. I am definitely pursuing that at this minute. He will not be in Portugal with us, but we are talking to his agent now at this moment. I would like to have him.”
The Celtic manager also mentioned that the club is still in contact with Iheanacho’s representatives while they prepare in Portugal.
Celtic is keen to keep the former Leicester City and Sevilla forward. But the 29-year-old has caught the eye of other clubs in Europe, including Turkish team Bursaspor, who are interested after his contract ended.
O’Neill also pointed out that Celtic plans to bring in more attacking players before the transfer window closes. Colombian forward Camilo Duran is close to joining the club. O’Neill believes keeping Iheanacho would be another big boost for the squad as the new season approaches.
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