Kelechi Iheanacho chooses Turkish second tier over Celtic
By OnzeActu · · 4 min read
Former Manchester City and Leicester player Kelechi Iheanacho is leaving Celtic to join Bursaspor in the Turkish second division. The club announced the transfer with a spectacular video on its social networks.
Why it matters
Kelechi Iheanacho's choice to join Bursaspor in Turkey's second tier marks a significant turning point in his career. After enjoying success in the Premier League with Leicester City, his time at Celtic was promising, but it appears he is looking for a new adventure in a less publicized league. This transfer could also influence the perception of African talents in lower-rated leagues, such as the Turkish second tier.
Context
Kelechi Iheanacho, after notable stints at Manchester City and Leicester City, chose to join Bursaspor, a club playing in the Turkish second tier. In 24 games for Celtic he has scored 9 goals, but his desire for a new challenge in Türkiye could offer him a platform to redefine his career. This transfer also underlines the growing attraction of the Turkish second tier for players with high-level experience.
Key points
- Kelechi Iheanacho chooses the Turkish second tier rather than Celtic.
- Kelechi Iheanacho, former Manchester City and Leicester player, leaves Celtic to join Bursaspor in the Turkish second division.
- Voormalig City-talent verkiest tweede level Turkije boven Celtic.
According to Sky Sports, Iheanacho could however extend his adventure at Celtic, where he had been playing since last season. For the Scottish club, the striker will have played 24 matches, finding the net nine times and providing an assist. These statistics show that he performed some notable service in Scotland, but the Nigerian ultimately opted for a new experience in Türkiye.
Trained at the highest English level from a young age, Iheanacho was spotted by Manchester City, where they saw great potential in him. At City, however, he only made 64 appearances, often confined to a substitute role behind offensive references like Sergio Agüero. His career took off at Leicester City: recruited to provide added value after the club's coronation, he became a major element of the Foxes.
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For Leicester, Iheanacho played 232 matches, scoring 61 goals and providing 36 assists. These figures demonstrate his important role within the English squad over several seasons. Subsequently, the Nigerian's career took him to La Liga with the Sevilla jersey, then to Middlesbrough, before his more recent move to Celtic.
His transfer to Bursaspor therefore marks a new stage in a long and varied career. The choice of the Turkish second tier may be surprising given his profile and his experience in the Premier League and La Liga, but it also illustrates the international and sometimes unexpected dimension of the players' current trajectories.
For Bursaspor, Iheanacho's experience and pedigree constitute a strong reinforcement in attack: the former international of high-level clubs will undoubtedly bring availability, sense of goal and experience. It remains to be seen how he will adapt to Turkish football and what impact he will have on the club's ambitions.
On the transfer market, this file reminds us that trajectories can take surprising turns and that a player's career does not always follow the logic expected by observers.
Frequently asked questions
What happened with Kelechi Iheanacho?
Kelechi Iheanacho has decided to join Bursaspor, a club playing in the second tier of Turkish football.
Who confirmed Iheanacho's transfer?
According to Sky Sports, Iheanacho's transfer to Bursaspor has been confirmed.
Why did Kelechi Iheanacho choose Bursaspor now?
Iheanacho opted for a new experience in Türkiye after playing for Celtic, where he made a notable impact.
What are Iheanacho's stats at Celtic?
At Celtic, Iheanacho played 24 matches, scored 9 goals and provided 1 assist.
What changes does this represent for Iheanacho's career?
The move to Bursaspor marks a new stage in Iheanacho's career, following spells at several clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester City, and Celtic.