History awaits Kelechi Iheanacho, but here’s why he should not make Vasco da Gama transfer

3 hours ago 1

ARTICLE AD BOX

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho is at a crossroads in his career, as he is yet to know where he will play his football next season, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 29-year-old is coming off a successful campaign at Celtic that saw him win the domestic double — the Premiership and the Scottish Cup.

He joined the club on a one-year deal last summer. After a disappointing start to the campaign due to injuries, he found his form in the homestretch of the season to help the Hoops end the campaign on a high.

However, with the end-of-season celebrations came uncertainty about his future. Iheanacho is a free agent this summer, as his contract has expired.

But given his brilliant end to last season and his admission that he would like to remain at Celtic, it was believed that he would eventually be presented with an extension.

Unfortunately, that has not happened. According to 67 Hail Hail, the Super Eagles striker is yet to be offered an extension.

Then, recently, news broke that Iheanacho had been offered to Brazilian top-flight club Vasco da Gama. Although the transfer has not been sealed yet, it is a genuine possibility.

Why Should Kelechi Iheanacho Not Join Vasco da Gama?

Kelechi Iheanacho at Celtic celebrates scoring the third goal Glasgow Barclays Hampden Scotland

If Iheanacho moves to Vasco da Gama, he will make history and become the first Super Eagles player to play for the club. Although five Nigerians have graced the Brazilian top-flight in previous years, none of them were active Super Eagles players at the time.

However, the deal does not look like one that will favor the Super Eagles star. First of all, Iheanacho is 29, so he still has at least two years of high-level football to give in Europe.

Aside from that, the Super Eagles striker does not look like he was built for South American football. Yes, the quality of play is good, but the league is very physical, and that is where Iheanacho might struggle.

The Super Eagles star is known for his technical quality rather than his physicality. As a result, he might struggle there. Finally, except he lights Brazil up, the move will also reduce his chances of returning into the Super Eagles fold.

Kelechi Iheanacho Can Still Command A Decent Club in Europe

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates after his penalty wins the match against Motherwell

Since Celtic are pussyfooting on handing Iheanacho a new contract, the Super Eagles star should look at other clubs in the UK. Rangers, who have problems in their attack, should be happy to have him on their team.

Aside from Rangers, a return to England should not be ruled out. The Nigerian made a mark in England, playing a key role in the run-up to Leicester City’s FA Cup triumph in 2021.

The newly promoted clubs like West Brom, Coventry City, and Ipswich Town could do with his quality and experience. Iheanacho could also do well in the Bundesliga and the Turkish Super Lig.

However, if he chooses the Vasco da Gama deal, it is difficult to see how he could shine in Brazil.