Kelechi Iheanacho: Celtic’s Nigerian striker linked with surprise Bursaspor switch

Nigerian centre-forward Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic is being linked with a move to Turkish side Bursaspor, with the 29-year-old’s future in Glasgow uncertain amid suggestions he could become a free agent.

The former Premier League forward, who wears the No 17 shirt for Celtic, is the subject of transfer speculation from Turkey’s 1. Lig, according to data from Transfermarkt dated 2 July 2026. The reported probability of the transfer is listed only as “?”, underlining that talks are at an early and speculative stage rather than an advanced negotiation.

Iheanacho, valued at €3.00m, is approaching a key juncture in his career, with no contract expiry date publicly recorded for his time at Celtic. That lack of clarity has fuelled suggestions that he could either be entering the final months of his deal or be in a position to leave as a free agent if no extension is agreed.

Born in Imo, Nigeria, and standing at 1.85m, the left-footed striker operates primarily as a centre-forward. He joined Celtic after earlier spells in European football, and his performances in the Scottish Premiership have kept him on the radar of clubs looking for an experienced goalscorer.

Recent Celtic fixtures have again highlighted his profile in attack, with Iheanacho leading the line and contributing in build-up play, even when not on the scoresheet, as Celtic continued their push on domestic fronts. His blend of link-up play and penalty-box movement remains his main asset.

Bursaspor, currently competing in Turkey’s second tier, are exploring options to bolster their forward line and see the Nigerian’s market valuation as potentially favourable if Celtic are open to talks or if the player runs down his deal.

Should the move materialise, a switch from Celtic to Bursaspor could offer Iheanacho a fresh platform in Turkey to reshape the next phase of his career and reassert his reputation as a decisive centre-forward in European football.