Three Reasons Celtic Should Offer Contract Extension to Super Eagles Striker Kelechi Iheanacho

The future of Kelechi Iheanacho at Celtic is uncertain, with only a few days left before his contract expires and the club has yet to issue a formal offer, reports Afriq Foot.

As Celtic prepare to resume pre‑season training, Iheanacho’s situation has become increasingly uncomfortable.

The 29‑year‑old wants to stay in Glasgow and believes his performances last season justify a new deal, but Celtic have given no public indication of their intentions, leaving the striker in limbo.

Representatives explored other options, including interest from Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, which ultimately declined to pursue the move.

Super Eagles and Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho. Copyright: xAlexxToddxIMAGO

What Mulgrew and others said about Iheanacho’s Celtic future

Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew was clear in his assessment of Iheanacho’s contract status.

“I don’t know if Kelechi Iheanacho has triggered his contract or his extension yet,” Mulgrew said, as quoted by the Daily Record.

“That’ll be something I would be looking to keep and then bring another couple.”

“There’s no doubt about it, for a few seasons now there’s been a striker needed.”

“Celtic need to bring a striker in, two, maybe three. I think that’s what Martin’s main thing would be.”

Super Eagles and Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho. Copyright: xJamiexJohnstonxIMAGO

Tomas Cvancara has returned to Borussia Mönchengladbach after his loan ended. Daizen Maeda, who stepped up as a makeshift striker during the run‑in, is expected to leave with a year remaining on his contract. Arne Engels is another likely departure, as Nottingham Forest are set to return with an improved offer following a rejected £25 million bid in January. Celtic are running thin in attack, and their decision to hold back on renewing Iheanacho’s contract is puzzling.

Three reasons Celtic must hand Iheanacho a contract extension

First, the club needs a striker. Celtic are preparing for a Scottish Premiership title defence and a European campaign simultaneously, and they currently have no fit, available striker under contract beyond 30 June.

Coach Martin O’Neill cannot afford to start pre‑season with that void unfilled, and in a transfer market where proven goal scorers command premium fees and lengthy negotiations, securing Iheanacho on a new deal appears to be the logical choice.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates. Copyright: ImagoxJamiexJohnstonx

Second, Iheanacho provides value in crucial moments, delivering brilliant contributions when the Hoops needed goals. His performance last season—six goals in nine substitute appearances during the run‑in—kept Celtic’s title charge alive.

Third, his departure would signal a negative message to the locker room and fanbase at an inappropriate time. The board is already under pressure from supporters frustrated by a summer of outgoings without any incomings. Allowing a cult hero to leave without a formal offer would be a damaging statement of intent from a hierarchy already struggling to maintain credibility.

Kelechi Iheanacho. Copyright: VagelisxGeorgariouxImago

Renewing Iheanacho would cost a fraction of what replacing him would demand on the open market, and it would signal that Celtic are building stability rather than starting from scratch.

The decision ultimately rests with Celtic. The arguments for keeping Iheanacho are clear, the need is urgent, and the clock is running down. For a striker who believes he has earned another year at Parkhead, the wait for an answer that should have come weeks ago grows more uncomfortable by the day.