Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has joined fellow Nigeria international Victor Osimhen in Turkish football after completing a surprise free transfer to Bursaspor.
The 29-year-old signed a three-year contract with the ambitious Turkish club, keeping him there until the summer of 2029 after opting against extending his stay with Scottish champions Celtic.
Bursaspor announced Iheanacho’s arrival with a cinematic unveiling video showcasing the former Manchester City and Leicester City forward in the club’s famous green and white colours.
The move came as a surprise after Celtic had hoped to retain Iheanacho following an impressive 2025/26 campaign in which he scored nine goals and helped the club complete a domestic league and cup double.
Bursaspor, recently promoted to the TFF First League after winning the TFF Second League title, convinced the Nigerian with an improved financial package and a leading role in their bid to secure promotion to the Turkish Super Lig.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill admitted he was caught off guard by Iheanacho’s decision, insisting he believed an agreement had already been reached for the striker to remain in Glasgow.
“He’s gone, I thought we had a deal with him at the time but that wasn’t the case and so he’s gone to pastures new,” O’Neill said.
The Northern Irish manager explained that Celtic had attempted to keep Iheanacho on terms similar to his previous contract after allowing the one-year extension clause in his deal to expire.
The Scottish champions reportedly offered a package worth about £12,000 per week, with bonuses capable of increasing it to £17,000, but negotiations broke down after Iheanacho’s representatives sought a significantly improved deal believed to be close to £50,000 per week.
O’Neill admitted he would have preferred to have the striker available during pre-season.
“He started one game in my two spells against Dundee United but it would have been nice to have him for pre-season.
“He’s chosen to go elsewhere.
“I don’t know what date.
“I just tried to answer it the best possible way.
“I thought we had a deal with him but it didn’t materialise.
“If he’s gone to another club that’s his decision.”
Iheanacho eventually chose Bursaspor after the Turkish club concluded negotiations within 24 hours, presenting him with a long-term sporting project centred on returning the former Turkish champions to the Super Lig.
The move sees Iheanacho continue his career in Turkey alongside Osimhen and Paul Onuachu, adding another Nigerian presence to the country’s football landscape.
