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Iheanacho chooses Bursaspor after Celtic contract offer

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 8:26 AM

Last updated Jul 23, 2026

Iheanacho chooses Bursaspor after Celtic contract offer

Summary

Kelechi Iheanacho has joined Bursaspor after declining a new contract from Celtic. Despite signing a one-year deal with Celtic in September, Iheanacho expressed a strong desire to become part of Bursaspor's project aimed at climbing to the Turkish Super Lig. He stated his excitement about the club's ambitions and remarked on the similarities between his new team's colors and those of Celtic. Bursaspor's president mentioned that Iheanacho opted for the project's potential over a higher salary offered elsewhere. Celtic's manager, Martin O'Neill, acknowledged the attempt to retain Iheanacho and confirmed the lapse in contract extension negotiations.

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By the Numbers

•Iheanacho signed a one-year contract with Celtic in September.
•He chose Bursaspor for its project, despite a higher offer from another club.
•Bursaspor aims for a second consecutive promotion to the Turkish Super Lig.
•Celtic's manager wanted to retain Iheanacho but contract negotiations fell through.
•Iheanacho's annual salary at Bursaspor is £1.2 million.

Latest Updates

8:26 AMYahoo Sports — Iheanacho reveals motivation for choosing Bursaspor over Celtic

What they're saying

"
Kelechi Iheanacho says he "asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor" despite being offered a new contract by Celtic. The 29-year-old Nigeria striker had signed a one-year contract with Celtic in September having left Sevilla following a loan spell with Middlesbrough. A deadline for the Scottish champions to extend Iheanacho's contract by a further year lapsed, but Celtic manager Martin O'Neill later revealed that he wanted the forward to stay and that he had been offered a new deal.
— Yahoo Sports

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Yahoo SportsJul 23, 2026, 8:26 AM
Iheanacho reveals motivation for choosing Bursaspor over Celtic
Kelechi Iheanacho says he "asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor" despite being offered a new contract by Celtic. The 29-year-old Nigeria striker had signed a one-year contract with Celtic in September having left Sevilla following a loan spell with Middlesbrough. A deadline for the Scottish champions to extend Iheanacho's contract by a further year lapsed, but Celtic manager Martin O'Neill later revealed that he wanted the forward to stay and that he had been offered a new deal.

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