Kelechi Iheanacho revealed that he hopes to stay on Celtic next season after his strong finish to the campaign and club Scottish Cup triumph.
The Nigerian forward played a key role in Celtic’s successful run during the closing months of the season, helping the club secure both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.
Iheanach’s future at Celtic appeared uncertain earlier in the campaign after injuries and inconsistent playing time limited his impact during the first half of the season.
With his one-year contract set to expire this summer, speculation of a possible exit intensified ahead of the dramatic turnaround in form.
The former Manchester City striker rediscovered his rhythm in the final weeks of the season, scoring six goals in his last nine appearances to become one of Celtic’s most important players during the title race.
Iheanacho talks about Celtic’s future
After Celtic won the Scottish Cup, Iheanacho addressed questions surrounding his future and admitted he would like to continue at the club.
“Hopefully I’ll still be a Celtic player at the start of next season. But we leave that to everyone at the club to decide,” Iheanacho said.
The 29-year-old joined Celtic last summer after leaving Leicester City, with Brendan Rodgers playing a major role in convincing him to move to Scotland.
However, Celtic only offered the striker a short-term deal due to concerns over his fitness and form following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League.
Those doubts seemed justified during the opening months of the season as Iheanacho struggled with injuries and found himself behind the team’s other attacking options.
A strong finish changes Celtic’s plans
Despite a rocky start, Iheanach’s late-season form has reportedly forced Celtic to reconsider their stance on a new deal.
His goals against key opponents during the title race helped him become a fan favorite at Celtic Park.
The Nigerian international is also expected to attract interest from clubs in Turkey and other European leagues if he becomes a free transfer this summer.
Reports in Scotland suggest Celtic are now under pressure to make a quick decision on his future, with rival clubs monitoring the situation following his impressive end to the season.
