Why Iheanacho Chooses Bursaspor Project Over Celtic Stay

Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho has explained why he rejected the opportunity to remain at Celtic, revealing that Bursaspor’s ambitious long-term vision convinced him to continue his career in Turkey.

The 29-year-old striker admitted he instructed his representative to do everything possible to complete the transfer after learning of the Turkish club’s plans.

Iheanacho joined Celtic on a one-year deal last September following his departure from Sevilla after a loan spell at Middlesbrough. Although the Scottish champions offered him a new contract and manager Martin O’Neill expressed his desire to retain the Nigerian forward, the move failed to materialise.

Instead, Iheanacho signed for newly-promoted Bursaspor, who secured the TFF Second League title last season and are targeting successive promotions back to the Turkish Super Lig.

Speaking during his unveiling, the former Leicester City striker praised the club’s rich history and future ambitions.

“Bursaspor is a big club. When I heard about the project to return to the Super Lig and eventually compete in Europe, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of,” he said.

“I told my agent to make sure he did everything possible to bring me here because I want to help the club achieve its goals.”

Iheanacho also joked about swapping Celtic’s famous green-and-white strip for Bursaspor’s darker version, describing the similarity as “almost déjà vu”.

Club president Enes Celik dismissed reports claiming the striker would earn £47,000 per week, confirming instead that his annual salary is £1.2 million. He insisted Iheanacho chose the club’s sporting vision rather than more lucrative financial offers elsewhere.