‘Money Ended the Dream’ — Martin O’Neill Reveals Why Iheanacho’s Celtic Return Collapsed
Both club and player wanted to continue together, but contractual terms couldn’t be resolved, sending the Super Eagles striker to Turkish side Bursaspor instead.
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Martin O’Neill has revealed that financial disagreements were the decisive factor behind Kelechi Iheanacho’s failed stay at Celtic, despite both the club and the Nigerian forward wanting to continue their partnership.
The clarification settles one of the more confusing transfer sagas of the summer, after conflicting reports had earlier suggested Iheanacho was either close to a new Celtic deal or already set for a move to Turkey. O’Neill’s account confirms the striker has now completed a move to Bursaspor.
Speaking about the negotiations, O’Neill admitted Celtic’s coaching staff had already factored Iheanacho into their plans for the new season, having built pre-season around him with the belief he would stay. He explained that discussions ultimately broke down because an agreement couldn’t be reached over contractual terms, saying simply, “the financial side of the deal couldn’t be resolved.”
Iheanacho impressed during his spell at the Scottish champions, rediscovering flashes of the form that once made him one of Nigeria’s most exciting attacking talents. With negotiations reaching a deadlock, he opted for a fresh challenge in Turkey, where he is expected to play a key role in Bursaspor’s ambitions.
The move adds another chapter to a career that has already taken in Manchester City, Leicester City, and Sevilla, with the 28 year old now looking to rebuild consistency that could strengthen his case in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles plans ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Did You Know?
- Kelechi Iheanacho has completed a move to Turkish second division club Bursaspor.
- Martin O’Neill is the former Celtic manager who oversaw the failed contract talks.
- Celtic had already built part of their pre-season planning around Iheanacho staying at the club.
- Iheanacho is 28 years old and previously played for Manchester City, Leicester City, and Sevilla.
- He joined Celtic as a free agent after his Sevilla contract was cancelled last year.
- He is expected to play a key role for Bursaspor as the club competes for promotion.
- Nigeria’s next major assignment is the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
