Bursaspor pulled off a major transfer coup during the summer transfer window by securing the signature of Kelechi Iheanacho, fending off interest from several clubs, including Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.
Iheanacho notched 9 goals in 24 all-competition appearances last term, helping Celtic win a domestic double after joining in September 2025.
After contract talks with the Premiership giants broke down in July 2026, the Nigeria international rejected their offer and joined Bursaspor as a free agent.
The 2023 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has been in sensational form in Turkiye's second tier, netting 11 goals in eight consecutive matches and providing two assists.
Bursaspor head coach Mustafa Er admitted that the club faced competition for Iheanacho's signature, adding that the stature of the Turkish side played a key role in convincing the forward to join The Green Crocodiles.
"Iheanacho continues to score. I hope he scores this week too. We have a positive team," Er told reporters at the Özlüce İbrahim Yazıcı Facilities on Friday.
"There is tremendous progress in team spirit. Productivity is also increasing. People are more productive when they are happy. We win as a team.
"We transferred Iheanacho so that he would score goals. We worked very hard for that transfer. We also need to thank our management.
"There was a lot of demand for him. The size of the club was also very important in his choosing us. We are getting the contribution we want."
Iheanacho continued his fine goalscoring form on the international stage, opening the scoring in the 10th minute as Nigeria played out an entertaining 3-3 draw against Russia on October 6.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Discussions (0)