Celtic open contract talks with Kelechi Iheanacho after stellar debut season

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have reportedly begun discussions with Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho over a new contract, as the club look to secure the long-term future of one of their standout performers from last season.

The Super Eagles forward enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign at Celtic Park after arriving on a free transfer, quickly becoming a fan favourite with a series of influential performances that helped propel the Hoops to another successful season.

Iheanacho played a crucial role in Celtic’s domestic dominance, scoring several decisive goals as the club lifted both the Scottish Premiership title and the domestic cup to complete an impressive domestic double.

His performances have convinced the club’s hierarchy that he remains an integral part of their plans, prompting negotiations over an improved deal ahead of the new campaign.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has publicly expressed his desire to retain the Nigerian international, revealing that he hopes an agreement can be finalised before pre-season gets fully underway.

“I’d like to do something with him, [Iheanacho],” O’Neill told Celtic Way.

“If we can do something relatively quickly, at least he then gets started in pre-season, which is really important for him. It’s something he didn’t have last year.”

The manager’s comments underline the importance of giving Iheanacho a full pre-season programme, something he missed before last season following his arrival. Despite that disadvantage, the former Manchester City and Leicester City striker settled quickly into the squad and went on to become one of Celtic’s most reliable attacking outlets.

A complete pre-season under O’Neill could allow Iheanacho to build even stronger chemistry with his teammates and reach even greater heights in the upcoming campaign as Celtic prepare to defend their league crown and compete in Europe.

Known for his intelligent movement, clinical finishing and ability to create opportunities for teammates, Iheanacho rediscovered his best form in Glasgow after several inconsistent seasons elsewhere. His experience at the highest level, combined with his composure in front of goal, proved invaluable during crucial moments of the season.

For Celtic, tying down the 29-year-old striker to a new deal would represent another significant step in maintaining the core of a squad that has dominated Scottish football. With Champions League football on the horizon and fresh domestic challenges awaiting, the Hoops are eager to avoid uncertainty surrounding one of their most experienced forwards.

Negotiations are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with both the club and the player hopeful of reaching an agreement before the start of pre-season preparations. Should a deal be completed, it would provide Celtic with another major boost as they aim to build on last season’s success and pursue further silverware both at home and on the European stage.