Brendan Rodgers backs Iheanacho ‘to make big impact’ after signing for Celtic

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes that talented Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho will make a great impact after he beat deadline transfer day to sign for the Scottish Premiership side on a one-year deal.

Only a day after the former Leicester City forward had seen his contract terminated by Spanish La Liga side Sevilla, Iheanacho travelled to Scotland where he found a new home and his former manager at the Foxes.

“Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Kelechi Iheanacho on a one-year deal, subject to international clearance, with the club having the option of a further year,” read a statement from the club.

Speaking after bringing on board the Super Eagle, Brendan Rodgers said: “I know Kelechi so well and what he can bring to the team. He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate.

“I am sure he will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings. He has great experience and he is right in his peak years so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”

The 28-year-old Nigerian forward spent two years with Manchester City at the start of his professional career, and he picked up a League Cup winner’s medal during his time at the Etihad.

He then joined Leicester City and would go on to make over 200 appearances there. In his time at Leicester, he worked under Brendan Rodgers and was an FA Cup winner in 2021. In 2024, Kelechi moved to Spanish side Sevilla before spending the end of season 2024-25 on loan with English Championship side, Middlesbrough.

He has racked up almost 60 international caps for Nigeria throughout his career so far, and helped his country to a second place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

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