Celtic have reportedly allowed their option to extend Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract to expire, despite a clear desire from manager Martin O’Neill to keep the forward at the club following his heroics at the end of last season.
The 29-year-old Nigerian international striker inspired the Hoops to a historic domestic title triumph after scoring a succession of crucial winners against Dundee, Hibs, and Motherwell in the final, high-stakes Premiership run-in. He also capped off a memorable personal finale to the campaign by netting a vital goal in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden Park to secure a historic double for the Parkhead club.
Despite his undeniable impact on the pitch during those crucial final months, the forward spent a significant portion of the campaign struggling to prove his overall match fitness in the eyes of the management team. The super-sub’s persistent battle for peak physical condition was a recurring theme throughout the season, but he ultimately proved to be the ultimate weapon for the Glasgow giants when the pressure was dialed up to the maximum.
Following the conclusion of the season and the subsequent break, the frontman became a highly notable absentee from the start of Celtic’s pre-season training sessions at Lennoxtown. According to a recent report by The Sun, the specific timeframe to trigger his contract extension has officially expired, leaving the free-agent striker completely in limbo over where his long-term footballing future lies.
It is understood that there have been absolutely no concrete talks held between the club’s hierarchy and the player’s representatives regarding a brand new deal. This development comes despite the fact that Iheanacho himself is reportedly very keen to stay in Glasgow, and manager Martin O’Neill would also be absolutely delighted to keep him as part of his attacking arsenal for the upcoming European campaign.
With his contractual status now clear and the extension clause officially dead in the water, clubs in Turkey have already reportedly moved quickly to offer the free-agent striker lucrative terms to make a move to the Süper Lig. This sudden development has put a host of other clubs across Europe on red alert as they weigh up a move for a proven goalscorer available without a transfer fee.
During the intense end-of-season run-in, veteran manager Martin O’Neill routinely hailed the immense impact and tactical value the experienced Nigeria international brought to the side whenever he was introduced off the substitutes’ bench. The Irishman was quick to point out the forward’s unique technical traits and cool head in front of goal during high-pressure moments.
Speaking to the media after one of Iheanacho’s decisive cameos, O’Neill said: “Iheanacho comes off the bench, shows a bit of class, a bit of composure as well to put it in the net and win it for us. Sometimes it’s really difficult when you’re coming off the bench. First of all, you have to try and get into the game. Secondly, something might fall to you but he showed great composure in getting in because the ball took an age to come down but he still put it in the net as only he can do.”
The decision to let the contract option lapse leaves a massive question mark over the striking department at Parkhead, an issue that has already been heavily dissected by pundits. Celtic face a major striker dilemma as the clock ticks down toward their crucial upcoming European examinations, with big questions remaining over who will consistently lead the line next term.
The striking position is arguably the most important role on the pitch, but it is also traditionally the hardest to source and by far the most expensive to secure in the modern transfer market. Finding a top-notch main man up front who can guarantee 20-odd goals a season, act as the go-to guy to win narrow, nerve-shredding domestic games, and bag priceless European points is exactly what Celtic require.
The Hoops have lacked a truly consistent, permanent talisman to completely hang their hats on for a sustained period. They relied heavily on Daizen Maeda catching fire in the final few months of the campaign, with the Japanese international moving back through the middle to rediscover his shooting boots. However, with moving pieces in the squad, the depth up front remains incredibly thin.
While youngster Callum Osmand is regarded as a top-tier prospect for the future, showing incredibly positive signs despite his initial development being severely dented by injury, it is widely believed to be far too soon to make him the primary number nine. Osmand’s goals against Rangers in the League Cup semi-final and his dramatic late strike against Hearts showed his immense potential, but the burden of leading the line every week is a heavy one.
Furthermore, with Johnny Kenny still adjusting after his loan spell at Bolton and the recent departure of backroom staff adding to the general upheaval ahead of pre-season, fans are anxious for clarity. Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew recently urged the champions to trigger Iheanacho’s option, noting that despite his injury struggles, his knack for scoring key goals in the double-winning season was invaluable.
With pre-season training officially underway and the transfer window open, the failure to secure Iheanacho means the recruitment team must now pivot. They must find an immediate replacement who can match the Nigerian’s composure and big-game pedigree, or risk starting the new campaign short on firepower as they prepare to defend their domestic titles and make an impact on the European stage.
