Super Eagles watch: Bursaspor beat Celtic to Iheanacho – Full breakdown of surprise deal

The next chapter of Kelechi Iheanacho’s career will be in Turkey after the Nigerian striker completed a surprise move to ambitious TFF First League club Bursaspor on a free transfer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 29-year-old has signed a three-year contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2029. This brings an end to speculation over his future after his Celtic contract expired on June 30.

The deal moved at remarkable speed. Discussions between Iheanacho and Bursaspor were completed in less than 24 hours as the Turkish club pushed hard to secure the signature of the 2013 U17 World Cup winner.

Although Celtic offered the Super Eagles forward fresh terms to remain in Glasgow after the expiration of his initial one-year contract, negotiations never gathered real momentum. Other clubs showed stronger interest, but Bursaspor convinced the Nigerian international with a much better financial package and a long-term sporting project.

The Turkish club also impressed Iheanacho with their ambition to return to the Süper Lig at the first attempt after earning promotion from the TFF Second League last season.

Bursaspor officially confirmed the transfer with an eye-catching AI-generated cinematic video inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, introducing the former Manchester City, Leicester City and Sevilla striker as the club’s newest star.

The striker is expected to arrive in Turkey over the weekend to complete his medical examination before his official unveiling in front of supporters.

Iheanacho’s decision was about much more than money. Before making his final choice, the former Leicester City forward spoke with Nigerian players already based in Turkey, including close friends Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu and Henry Onyekuru. They reportedly gave positive feedback about life in the country and encouraged him to consider the move.

That advice, combined with Bursaspor’s ambitious plans, helped convince him that Turkey offered the right environment for the next stage of his career.

The move also ends his short but successful spell at Celtic. Iheanacho joined the Scottish champions late in 2025 after leaving Sevilla by mutual consent.

His season in Scotland was interrupted by a hamstring injury, limiting his opportunities to start regularly. However, he made a significant impact from the bench, scoring nine goals in all competitions as Celtic completed another domestic Double by winning both the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.

Now, the focus shifts to Turkey, where expectations will be high. Bursaspor see Iheanacho as the marquee signing capable of leading their promotion charge back to the Turkish top flight. His experience of winning major trophies with Manchester City and Leicester City, alongside years of Premier League football and international experience with Nigeria, makes him one of the most recognisable names in the division.

The challenge for Iheanacho is to score the goals that can return a historic Turkish clubs to the Süper Lig while rebuilding his place in the Super Eagles ahead of future international competitions.