Sevilla admits signing Kelechi Iheanacho was a mistake

By Wale Mustapha

Sevilla Sporting Director Victor Orta has admitted the club made an error in signing Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho during last summer’s transfer window.

Iheanacho joined the LaLiga side on a free transfer following his departure from English Premier League club Leicester City.

However, the Super Eagles striker failed to make a significant impact in Spain, scoring just once in the league and three times in cup competitions before moving to Middlesbrough in the English Championship during the January window.

Speaking during the unveiling of new head coach Joaquín Caparrós, Orta said the club is reassessing its recent transfer activity to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

“It’s clear that betting on Kelechi this season has been a mistake, and we will analyze why we made it—and we are doing so now,” Orta told Sevilla’s official website.

He explained that Iheanacho was initially signed as a third-choice striker behind Youssef En-Nesyri and Isaac Romero but failed to meet expectations.

Sevilla currently sit 14th in the LaLiga standings with 36 points from 31 matches.