Kelechi Iheanacho: Nigerian striker breaks silence on surprise move from Celtic to Bursaspor

Kelechi Iheanacho says the chance to spearhead Bursaspor’s climb back to the Turkish Super Lig – not money – convinced him to walk away from Celtic after a double-winning season in Scotland.

The Nigeria international, 29, completed a shock switch last week to the second-tier Turkish club, just months after helping Celtic secure a domestic double in the 2025-26 campaign.

The move stunned many at Parkhead, particularly after Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said he believed a deal had been agreed for Iheanacho to extend his stay before talks suddenly collapsed.

But speaking publicly for the first time since the transfer, Iheanacho insisted Bursaspor’s long-term sporting vision was the decisive pull.

‘This is a big project’

In an interview on Bursaspor’s official YouTube channel, the former Manchester City and Leicester City forward said he was persuaded by the club’s plan to return to the top flight and re-establish itself in European competition.

“I’m very happy to come to Bursaspor. I thank the president for making this possible, with the help of my agent as well. I’m really excited to start here.”

“Bursaspor is a big club in Turkey and I had heard that they had previously won the Turkish Super Lig.”

“When I heard about their project, that they wanted to climb up to the Super Lig and also play in Europe, I said this is a big project and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team.”

Iheanacho said that once he had heard the club’s plans, he personally instructed his representatives to prioritise the deal.

“So I asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor. This is a big project and I hope I will be a part of it and help the team achieve this big project.”

Promotion over personal glory

Arriving as one of the highest-profile players in the Turkish second division, Iheanacho stressed that his focus is on collective targets rather than personal statistics.

“We know what we want as a team. Collectively as a team, hopefully we achieve promotionthat is our main target before the individual target of a player.”

“My target is for us to go to the Super Lig.”

The Super Eagles striker, who scored nine goals for Celtic last season, is expected to be central to Bursaspor’s promotion push as the club seeks to revive the status that saw it crowned Turkish champions in 2010.

Salary claims dismissed

Reports in Scotland initially suggested Iheanacho’s decision to leave Glasgow was driven by a lucrative offer from Turkey, with some claims that he would earn around £47,000 per week.

Bursaspor president Enes Celik later moved to dispel those figures, confirming that the forward’s guaranteed annual salary is €1.4m – considerably below the reported weekly sum.

Iheanacho, for his part, declined to dwell on financial details and repeatedly pointed to the club’s ambitions as the main reason for his move.

Rather than framing the transfer as a step down from the Scottish champions, he presented it as an opportunity to help rebuild one of Turkey’s most historic sides while re-energising his own career.

‘They made it possible’: fans and familiar colours

Iheanacho also reserved special praise for Bursaspor supporters, saying their enthusiasm on social media played a part in his decision and eased his transition from Glasgow to Bursa.

“The fans are really positive and energetic. I thank them a lot for all their support since I’ve signed.”

“They always commented on my posts asking me to come to Bursaspor. Finally, I’m here. They made it possible, so they are part of it. Hopefully we will enjoy winning together and enjoy going to the Super Lig together.”

The forward lightened the mood by joking about swapping one iconic green-and-white strip for another.

“It’s the same green and white, to be fair.”

“I don’t know if it’s deja vu, like they say in French.”

“Celtic is a bit lighter green, Bursaspor is dark green. It’s a little bit different but it’s all similar. It’s all good.”

Celtic left surprised

Iheanacho’s comments come just days after O’Neill admitted Celtic were taken aback by the Nigerian’s change of course following what had seemed to be positive renewal talks.

The Scottish champions had hoped to retain the striker after his influential nine-goal season, but negotiations ultimately fell through before Bursaspor completed a three-year contract.

As Bursaspor push for a return to the Super Lig, Iheanacho will aim to prove that his gamble away from Champions League-chasing Celtic can pay off – for both his new club and his own career.