Bursaspor name their price for Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho amid Fenerbahçe interest
Bursaspor are prepared to consider a blockbuster transfer for Kelechi Iheanacho, with president Enes Çelik admitting that an exceptional offer could convince the club to part ways with their prolific Nigerian striker.
Despite reported interest from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, Çelik insists that retaining the 30-year-old remains his preference. However, he has made it clear that the club’s financial interests could influence any decision over the forward’s future.
Iheanacho has enjoyed a remarkable start to life in Turkey since joining Bursaspor in July 2026, quickly becoming one of the club’s most influential players.
The former Manchester City and Leicester City forward has scored 16 goals in 12 league appearances in the 2026/27 campaign, while providing three assists to establish himself as Bursaspor’s leading goalscorer.
His impressive form has also extended to the international stage, where he found the net for Nigeria in a friendly against Russia. That takes his overall return to 17 goals in 13 appearances for club and country.
The striker’s performances have reportedly attracted attention from Fenerbahçe, raising questions about whether Bursaspor can hold on to their prized asset.
Bursaspor president admits Iheanacho could be sold
Addressing the growing speculation in an interview with Gol TV, Çelik acknowledged the importance of keeping Iheanacho but insisted that the club must approach any potential transfer with a clear financial perspective.
He admitted that supporters would overwhelmingly oppose the striker’s departure but argued that the management could not afford to make decisions based solely on emotions.
“If a poll were conducted, 99% would say he absolutely shouldn’t be sold. I understand that, but we’re not just looking at it emotionally. We also have to look at the situation logically. Iheanacho is a player who scores goals when there’s no real chance,” he said, as quoted by Turkinform.
The Bursaspor president stressed that he wants the Nigerian international to remain at the club but would be willing to consider an offer that delivers exceptional financial value.
“I want him to stay in the team more than anyone. But there might be some absurd figures involved. If there are, we, as the management, will evaluate them. Ultimately, we set out to do what’s right for the club.”
Iheanacho keen to leave Bursaspor with financial reward
Çelik also disclosed that Iheanacho understands the importance of securing a substantial transfer fee for Bursaspor should he eventually move elsewhere.
According to the club president, the striker is equally interested in ensuring his departure generates significant financial benefits for the Turkish side.
“We’ve tried to make grounded, rational decisions. In that respect, the right offer – or rather, an offer far beyond the right one – is not something that will easily leave us. Meanwhile, he also wants to bring a lot of money to the club,” he explained.
Although Çelik declined to disclose the club’s valuation of the former Super Eagles forward, he suggested that any proposal capable of triggering negotiations would have to be extraordinary.
He also praised Iheanacho’s character and expressed hope that the striker would maintain his impressive form and help Bursaspor achieve their ambitions this season.
“He’s a really good character. It wouldn’t be right to give a specific figure, but if it’s a figure that satisfies everyone, you can be sure it will be a figure that will make people say, ‘He’ll be sold for that amount.’ Hopefully, his performance will continue and we’ll lift the championship trophy,” he concluded.
For now, Bursaspor’s immediate priority remains keeping their leading scorer as they pursue the championship, although an exceptional offer could change the situation.
