Could Celtic’s transfer move free Super Eagles star Iheanacho?

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho remains a headline‑maker as his future at Celtic hangs in the balance ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Afrik‑Foot.

The former Manchester City striker signed with the Hoops last summer on a one‑year contract after leaving Sevilla, where he spent just one season in a disappointing spell.

Initially, Iheanacho was expected to stay only a year at the club, as a series of injury setbacks threatened to derail his time in Scotland. The Nigerian forward missed pre‑season activities and was absent for a large part of the season because of fitness concerns.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic. Copyright: ImagoxJamiexJohnston

However, the 29‑year‑old returned at a crucial stage of the campaign and produced an impressive run of form in the closing weeks. He scored six goals in his final nine appearances and played a key role in helping Celtic secure a domestic league and cup double, reigniting talks of a possible contract extension.

Celtic plot summer move for Elias Filet

According to GIVEMESPORT, Scottish champions Celtic are emerging as frontrunners to sign Swiss forward Elias Filet from Aarau as the summer transfer window approaches.

The Hoops were relatively quiet in the transfer market last summer but are now looking to strengthen significantly ahead of next season as they aim to maintain their domestic dominance and improve their performances in Europe.

Filet, who has become the top option in attack, enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Switzerland, scoring 22 goals for Aarau as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the top flight after losing in the play‑off final.

Elias Filet in action for FC Aarau. Copyright: ImagoxPriscilaxBütlerx/xSPPx

The 24‑year‑old is valued at around €600,000 according to Transfermarkt, but Celtic could face stiff competition for his signature. French side Lorient and Belgian club Genk are also reportedly interested, setting up a potential three‑way battle for the forward.

What this means for Iheanacho

Celtic are moving aggressively in the transfer market as they prepare for next season, and the arrival of Filet would provide additional depth in the centre‑forward position.

The situation is further complicated by uncertainty surrounding the future of first‑choice striker Daizen Maeda. The Japanese forward has previously expressed a desire to play in the Premier League, and with his contract set to expire next summer, Fulham and Leeds United are monitoring his situation.

Should Maeda leave, Celtic would be reluctant to allow Iheanacho to leave as well in order to avoid losing two experienced forwards in the same transfer window and would likely offer him an extension.

However, if Maeda remains at the club, it could signal the end of Iheanacho’s spell at Celtic. In that scenario, Filet would become the backup in attack and would make the Nigerian forward surplus to requirements.

Daizen Maeda and Kelechi Iheanacho. Copyright: IMAGO

The Super Eagles star’s strong finish to the season has fueled suggestions that Celtic could trigger an option to extend his contract by a further year, but the Scottish champions are concerned over his fitness record and availability throughout the campaign.

With no concrete talks over an extension for now, Iheanacho’s time at Celtic may be drawing to a close. If no agreement is reached, he will become a free agent once again this summer and begin searching for the next chapter of his career.