Kelechi Iheanacho: Nigerian striker quits Celtic title push for ‘big project’ at Bursaspor

Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho has insisted he made the right decision in turning down a new deal at Scottish champions Celtic to join Turkish second-tier side Bursaspor, describing his new club as a “big team” with an ambitious plan to return to the top flight and European football.

The 29-year-old walked away from contract talks in Glasgow shortly after winning a domestic double with Celtic last season, opting instead for what many have called a surprise step down to Turkey’s second division.

Iheanacho has already linked up with his new team-mates in pre-season and says he was swayed by the scale of Bursaspor’s ambitions.

> “I am very happy to come to Bursaspor. I thank the President, Mr. Furkan, and their team for making it possible to come to Bursaspor with the help of my agent as well. I am very happy and I am really excited to start here in Bursaspor.”

‘Big team’ and ‘big project’

Bursaspor, former champions of Turkey, will compete in the second tier this coming season after securing promotion with their Super Lig 3 title last year.

Despite dropping out of a club preparing for another Champions League campaign, the former Manchester City and Leicester City forward insists the move is about long-term growth rather than short-term status.

> “To be fair, Bursaspor is a big team in Turkey, I heard they’ve won the Turkish Super Lig before.
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> “And when I heard about the project and how they want to go all the way to the Super Lig and to play in Europe as well, I knew it was a big project; it is very good for me to be involved and help the team.
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> “So I asked my agent to make sure he did everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor. It is a big project and I hope I am going to be part of it and that I can help the team.”

His comments come after reports in Scotland that he had been urged to remain at Celtic to chase further domestic silverware and to compete in the Champions League group stage.

Celtic record and Turkish challenge

Iheanacho joined Celtic after spells in the Premier League and made a solid impact in his most recent campaign, scoring nine goals in 24 appearances in all competitions as the club secured a league and cup double.

Celtic had been keen to keep the Nigerian international forward for at least one more season, tabling an offer to extend his stay. Instead, he chose a fresh challenge in Turkey with a club that has been rebuilding after a fall from the Super Lig.

Bursaspor, who famously won the Turkish title in 2009-10, have been seeking experienced players with top-flight pedigree to spearhead their promotion bid. Iheanacho is seen by the club as a marquee signing capable of leading their attack and attracting wider attention.

The club teased his arrival on social media with video content from his first day in Bursa, underlining the significance of his capture for their supporters.

Clear objective: promotion to Super Lig

The new season in Turkey’s second tier begins on 9 August, with Bursaspor travelling to Bodrum for their opening fixture. Iheanacho is expected to feature if he comes through pre-season without injury.

The striker has set out a straightforward target for his first year in Turkish football.

> “My target is to make sure we are promoted to the Super Lig.”

Promotion would restore Bursaspor to the division where they once stunned the country by lifting the title and would keep alive the club’s stated aim of returning to European competition.

For Iheanacho, the move represents a gamble on a project rather than a guarantee of Champions League nights – but one he believes will revive both his own career trajectory and the fortunes of one of Turkey’s sleeping giants.