Kelechi Iheanacho: Nigeria striker rejects Celtic interest for ‘big project’ at Bursaspor

Kelechi Iheanacho says the scale of Bursaspor’s “big project” persuaded him to turn down interest from Scottish champions Celtic and drop into Turkey’s second tier.

The Nigeria international, 29, joined the TFF First League club on a free transfer last week, signing a three-year deal with the former Turkish Super Lig winners.

Despite the move coming as a surprise given interest from a club with regular European football, Iheanacho insists he was convinced by Bursaspor’s long‐term ambition to return to the top flight and compete in Europe.

‘Big team’ with eyes on Europe

“Bursaspor is a big team in Turkey. I heard they won the Turkish Super League before. When I hear the project they have and how they want to go all the way to the Super League and to play in Europe as well, I said this is a big project and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team,” Iheanacho told the club’s official website.

The “Green Crocodiles” last won the Turkish title in 2010 but have since slipped down the pyramid and are now bidding to climb back into the Super Lig.

Bursaspor have positioned the former Manchester City forward as a central figure in that rebuilding process, offering him a leading role in a side trying to re-establish itself among Turkey’s elite.

Agent instructed to ‘do everything possible’

Iheanacho revealed he actively pushed for the transfer once he heard the club’s plans.

“I asked my agent to make sure he do everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor. There’s a big project and I hope I’m going to be part of it and I’m going to help the team.”

The move represents a significant shift in direction for a player who has spent the bulk of his career in England’s top two divisions and has featured in the Champions League.

His decision to choose a second-tier Turkish side over a club of Celtic’s stature underlines how strongly he has bought into Bursaspor’s long‐term vision.

Promotion before personal glory

Iheanacho made clear that promotion, targeted for the 2026-27 season, is the squad’s overriding objective.

“We know what we want as a team, but collectively as a team hopefully we achieve the promotion. That is our main target before the individual target of a player. My target is for us to go to the Super League,” added the former Manchester City player.

The forward, capped multiple times by Nigeria, is expected to bring top-level experience, creativity and goals to a side aiming to rebuild both its sporting fortunes and its reputation.

With a three-year contract and a clearly defined promotion timetable, both player and club are tying their futures to a shared aim: restoring Bursaspor to the Super Lig and, ultimately, to European competition.