Kelechi Iheanacho: Nigeria striker ‘shocks’ Celtic by choosing second-tier Bursaspor move

Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho has stunned observers by turning down a new deal at Celtic to sign for Turkish second-division side Bursaspor as a free agent, according to a report by OwnGoalNigeria.com.

The 30-year-old, whose one-year contract with the Scottish champions expired at the end of the season, was offered a fresh two-year extension in Glasgow – but on significantly reduced terms.

Bursaspor, long-time admirers of the Super Eagles international, are understood to have stepped in after learning of his dissatisfaction with what one source described as a “disrespectful” offer from Celtic.

Wage-cut offer triggers surprise exit

Celtic were the first to move once Iheanacho’s initial deal wound down, making clear they wanted to keep the striker at Parkhead. A new two-year contract was tabled, but the proposal reportedly involved wages at almost half of what he earned during his first season with the club.

While the Scottish side were keen to secure his services on a lower salary, Iheanacho is said to have been seeking improved terms on the back of his performances and experience, rather than a pay cut as he enters the latter stages of his career.

That gap between the club’s offer and the player’s expectations opened the door for interest from elsewhere – and ultimately led to a move few anticipated.

Bursaspor meet salary demands in full

Bursaspor, who play in Turkey’s second tier but retain a sizeable fanbase and ambition to return to the top flight, had tracked Iheanacho for some time.

According to the report, the Turkish club were informed that the forward was unhappy with Celtic’s proposal. Informal discussions were then held with his representatives, during which they outlined Iheanacho’s salary demands – more in hope than expectation that a club outside Europe’s top five leagues would meet them.

Instead, Bursaspor are said to have agreed to the full terms presented. Iheanacho’s camp, described as “stunned” by the swift acceptance, then relayed the development to the player, who opted to commit to the move.

A source cited in the report characterised Celtic’s initial offer as a sign of insufficient respect for what the 30-year-old believed he had contributed in his time at the club.

Free-agent status opens unexpected path

Iheanacho’s status as a free agent meant there was no transfer fee involved, making him an attractive proposition for clubs willing to satisfy his financial requirements.

While a switch from a club of Celtic’s stature to a side competing outside Turkey’s top division will raise eyebrows among supporters, the move underlines the growing financial pull of ambitious teams in secondary European leagues.

The Nigerian’s decision also reflects a calculation that regular football on favourable wages at Bursaspor may be preferable to staying on reduced terms in Scotland, particularly with his next contract likely to be one of the last major deals of his career.

Celtic left to regroup as Bursaspor land marquee name

Celtic must now look elsewhere to reinforce their attacking options after losing a player they had hoped to retain, albeit on revised terms.

For Bursaspor, however, the capture of a high-profile Nigeria international on a free is being viewed as a statement of intent as they look to climb back towards the summit of Turkish football.

The report, written by Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman, portrays a transfer that has surprised many in both Scotland and Turkey – and highlights how contract negotiations and wage structures can dramatically reshape a player’s career path.