The Nigeria striker says the move was arranged through his agent and club directors, and he agreed as soon as he heard the details.
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Kelechi Iheanacho has explained why he joined Turkish second division side Bursaspor after leaving Scottish champions Celtic. The Nigeria striker says the move was arranged through his agent and club directors, and he was happy to say yes.
The 30 year old spent last season at Celtic, where he scored nine goals in 24 appearances across all competitions. He helped the club to a domestic double.
He left when his one year contract expired in June, and talks over a new deal never gathered momentum. Bursaspor moved quickly and signed him on a three-year contract.
He has repaid that faith quickly, with 16 goals and three assists in 12 league appearances. Fans following Nigerian players in Turkey can also read this Bet9ja bonus conversion guide before the next fixtures.
Iheanacho Speaks on the Move
Speaking to Bursaspor TV, Iheanacho said he does not spend time on transfer talk. He prefers to concentrate on his football and leaves negotiations to his agent and the directors.
He knew about the interest, but he did not know how Bursaspor had made contact. His agent told him about it and explained everything in detail. “I was happy, and I said yes,” he said.
Iheanacho described Bursaspor as a good and interesting place, based on what his agent told him. He said they went through everything together and saw a very concrete situation.
Was it a risky move? Many saw it as a surprise, because Bursaspor play in the second tier. The scoring record has answered those doubts. Readers can check this Bet9ja promotion code guide for beginners before the next game.
The Bigger Picture
Bursaspor are top of the 1. Lig on 28 points from 12 matches. Iheanacho’s goals have been a big part of that rise.
Iheanacho has also said the club’s promotion plans and the encouragement of Bursaspor supporters played a role in his decision.
That fits the club’s goals. Bursaspor are chasing promotion back to the Super Lig, and a striker in this form gives them a real chance.
Is a return to the top flight realistic? With Iheanacho scoring regularly, the answer looks like yes. Anyone planning a bet on Saturday’s game can claim the YOHAIG sign-up bonus first.
Bursaspor host Bandirmaspor on Saturday, October 31, in their next match. Iheanacho will hope to extend his scoring run there.
For Iheanacho, the Celtic chapter is closed. The Bursaspor one is going very well so far.
📌 Did You Know?
- Iheanacho joined Celtic in September 2025, after leaving Sevilla by mutual consent.
- Before Celtic, he had a loan spell at Middlesbrough, where he scored once in 15 matches.
- He scored five goals in his last eight Celtic appearances, all as a substitute.
- His Bursaspor contract runs until the summer of 2029.
- He won the Golden Ball at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, when Nigeria won the title.
- Bursaspor coach Mustafa Er has said the club signed Iheanacho to score goals and worked very hard to get the deal done.
