Iheanacho Explains Why He Joined Bursaspor

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has said that Bursaspor’s plan to return to the Turkish Super Lig and play in Europe influenced his choice to leave Celtic and not sign a new contract.

The 29-year-old made a surprising switch to the Turkish second division team last week, ending a successful time at Celtic. At Celtic, he helped the team win a domestic double during the 2025/26 season.

Many were shocked by his move, especially after Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said he thought Iheanacho had agreed to stay at Parkhead. But then, the talks fell apart unexpectedly.

Now, Iheanacho has explained why he made this choice. He said Bursaspor’s vision, and not money, convinced him to start a new journey in Turkey.

In a chat on the club’s official YouTube channel, the former Manchester City and Leicester City striker said he was drawn to the club’s goals.

“When I heard about their project, that they wanted to climb up to the Super Lig and also play in Europe, I said this is a big project and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team,” Iheanacho said.

“So I asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor.”

Even though he is known as a top player in the Turkish second division, Iheanacho said his focus is on helping Bursaspor move up to the top league.

The Nigerian striker, who scored nine goals at Celtic, highlighted that getting promoted is the team’s main goal, while personal achievements come second.

“We know what we want as a team. Collectively as a team, hopefully we achieve promotion, that is our main target before the individual target of a player,” he said.

“My target is for us to go to the Super Lig.”

Iheanacho also spoke about how Bursaspor’s fans helped him decide to join the club. He noticed their strong support on social media, which encouraged him to make the move.

Their excitement, along with the club’s ambitious plans, made him feel that Bursaspor was the right place for him.

This move gives Iheanacho a chance to lead one of Turkey’s historic clubs back to success, continuing the good run he had in Scotland.

Having worn the famous Celtic green-and-white, he joked that getting used to Bursaspor’s colors should be easy.

“It’s the same green and white, to be fair,” he laughed.

“Celtic is a bit lighter green, Bursaspor is dark green. It’s a little bit different but it’s all similar. It’s all good.”

With promotion as the clear goal, Iheanacho is expected to help Bursaspor push to return to the Turkish Super Lig and aim for its long-term dream of playing in Europe again.