Nigeria centre-forward Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic is being linked with a move to Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, with the 29-year-old’s contractual situation in Glasgow adding to speculation over his future.
The Celtic No 17, valued at €3.00m on Transfermarkt, is the subject of interest from the Rio de Janeiro club, according to transfer listings dated 18 June 2026. The probability of the deal remains unclear, with the move currently rated “?” and no agreement reported between the clubs.
Iheanacho’s contract details at Celtic have not been made public and are listed as unknown, which has fuelled talk that he could run down his deal and become a free agent if no extension is agreed. That possibility would make any switch to Vasco da Gama significantly cheaper than his notional market valuation.
The 1.85m left-footed striker, born in Imo on 3 October 1996, operates primarily as a centre-forward in an attacking role. He joined Celtic after spells in top European leagues earlier in his career, and is now being eyed for a first venture into Brazil’s Série A.
In his latest outing for Celtic before the summer window talk intensified, Iheanacho featured in the Scottish Premiership against Rangers at Celtic Park on 12 May 2026, a 2-2 draw in which he started centrally and was involved in the build-up to Celtic’s opening goal before being substituted in the second half. That display underlined his continued use as a focal point in attack.
With his market value relatively modest for an experienced international-level forward and his contract status unresolved, clubs such as Vasco da Gama see an opportunity. If the move materialises, a switch from Glasgow to Rio could reshape Iheanacho’s late-prime years and offer a fresh stage on which to reassert his reputation.
