There is still no official confirmation over Kelechi Iheanacho’s Celtic future, but a former Hoops striker believes the signs are pointing towards the Nigerian staying put.
Iheanacho played a huge part in Celtic’s run to the Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season. His six goals in the final nine matches came at exactly the right time, with the striker proving he could change games when Martin O’Neill needed him most.
The 29-year-old officially became a free agent after Celtic allowed the option to extend his deal by a further year to expire.
Interest from elsewhere has not gone away. Reports in Turkey claimed Bursaspor had made close contact with Iheanacho’s representatives over a potential move, with the club’s president hinting that a new striker was on the way.
Nothing concrete has emerged since then.
Frank McAvennie, however, says he has heard encouraging talk while over in Ireland. The former Celtic striker revealed he met Martin O’Neill and Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson during the trip, although he stopped short of suggesting either had discussed Iheanacho directly.
Speaking on his Let Me Be Frank podcast, McAvennie said:
“There was a rumour going about in Ireland that Iheanacho’s signed. He’s got another year.
“I’m delighted. What a game-changer he is.
“If he does that all the time, just bring him on for the last half hour if we need him.”
It should not be viewed as confirmation that a deal has been completed. McAvennie was clear he was repeating what he had heard.
Even so, it will only add to the speculation surrounding a player many Celtic supporters would like to see back for another season.
O’Neill already knows what Iheanacho can offer. His impact off the bench during the closing weeks of last season helped swing important matches, and keeping that experience in the squad would be another boost ahead of a campaign that will again demand depth across every position.
If Iheanacho does put pen to paper, Celtic would be retaining a proven title winner who has already shown his value in pressure moments.
For now, though, supporters are still waiting for official word.
Attention turns to the pitch tonight as Celtic begin their pre-season schedule against Shelbourne. It is the first opportunity for O’Neill to get his squad back into competitive action, while some academy prospects will hope to make an impression as preparations for the new season get underway.
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