Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that the club has formally tabled a contract offer to Kelechi Iheanacho, as negotiations over the Nigerian striker’s return to Parkhead gather pace.
The 29-year-old’s previous deal with the Scottish Premiership champions expired at the end of last month, leaving the forward technically a free agent.
Celtic had held an option to extend his stay by an additional season but opted not to trigger it before the deadline, necessitating fresh terms to be agreed between both parties.
Iheanacho originally joined the Hoops last September on a one-year agreement, arriving with a reputation forged during his spells at Manchester City and Leicester City.
While his maiden campaign in Glasgow was disrupted by recurring injuries that limited his overall minutes, the forward proved his worth with a string of crucial strikes.
His goals against Kilmarnock, Dundee, Hibernian, and Motherwell directly contributed to Celtic’s title charge, endearing him to the fanbase despite his sporadic availability.
Speaking to the Daily Record, O’Neill provided a frank update on the situation: “There’s an offer there to him at this minute. So we’ll see how that develops.” The manager’s comments signal that Celtic remain keen to retain the attacker’s services, even as external interest mounts.
Reports have linked Iheanacho with moves to clubs in Qatar and Turkey, but the player appears inclined to remain in Scotland, with sources suggesting a new two-year deal is close to being finalized.
Across all competitions last season, the Super Eagles star netted nine goals in 24 appearances—a return that, while modest, was punctuated by timely interventions in tight fixtures.
With Celtic preparing for another domestic campaign and European group-stage football on the horizon, securing Iheanacho’s signature would add proven depth to O’Neill’s attacking options.
The coming days are expected to prove decisive as both sides work to bridge any remaining gaps in the negotiations.
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