'Has not performed' - Sevilla boss confirms Man City academy graduate Iheanacho wants to leave

Sevilla head coach García Pimienta has confirmed that Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho wants to leave the club during the January transfer window.

Iheanacho, who joined Sevilla last summer, has struggled to adapt to life in La Liga, sparking speculation about a potential return to England.

The Manchester City academy graduate has been linked with Premier League and Championship clubs, including Wolves, Ipswich Town, and Leeds United.

Speaking on Radio Sevilla, via Diario de Sevilla, Pimienta acknowledged the offers for the Nigerian international and hinted at his desire for more playing time.

"If he improves what we have, there are no problems. I don't know why some players fit in better with a club or an environment than others," Pimienta stated.

"I don't know if Kelechi will stay until the end of the season. There have been offers for him, he is established in England and I'm sure he wants to play more. I understand that he wants to leave."

Pimienta admitted that Iheanacho has not met the expectations placed on him, despite showing promise in training. 

"But if I consider that he should participate, he will participate. For whatever reason, Iheanacho has not performed here at the level that we all expect, including him. 

"With his CV there are things that cannot be explained. Watching him train you say, 'this kid has plenty of quality,” he commented.

Addressing concerns about Iheanacho’s fitness and weight, Pimienta dismissed any issues. 

"He is not, we are strict with that. After the injury, I don't know, but before Christmas, he was at his weight. 

"This week is the first that he may be able to train with the group. Iheanacho is part of the squad and if he has to play, he will play,” he commented.

Adeyemi Adewale

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