Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed confidence that new signing Kelechi Iheanacho will be a major asset to the team after the Nigerian striker joined on a free transfer.
The 28-year-old penned a one-year deal with the Scottish champions just before the Europa League registration deadline, a day after terminating his contract with Sevilla. His arrival comes after backlash from supporters who criticised the club for failing to secure a striker on deadline day.
Rodgers, who previously coached Iheanacho at Leicester City, told Celtic’s website:
“He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate. He has great experience and he is right in his peak years, so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”
The move follows the sale of Irish forward Adam Idah to Swansea City without a replacement lined up—an issue that drew outrage from the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters Clubs, who demanded answers from chief executive Michael Nicholson over the “disarray witnessed on the final evening of the transfer window.”
Despite the criticism, Rodgers is optimistic Iheanacho will win over the fans:
“He will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings.”
Iheanacho, capped 59 times for Nigeria, started his senior career at Manchester City, winning the League Cup before moving to Leicester City, where he played under Rodgers and lifted the FA Cup in 2021. He was also part of the Super Eagles squad that finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
After joining Sevilla last summer, the striker ended the season on loan at English Championship side Middlesbrough before opting for a fresh challenge in Glasgow.
