Iheanacho chooses Bursaspor ambition over Celtic extension, cites European ambition
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho rejected a new Celtic contract to join Turkish second-division Bursaspor last week, citing the club's ambition to return to the Super Lig and compete in Europe as his deciding factor—not financial incentives. The 29-year-old former Leicester and Manchester City striker helped Celtic secure a domestic double in the 2025/26 season before his surprise move, which even Celtic manager Martin O’Neill believed was already agreed upon. Iheanacho told Bursaspor’s official YouTube channel that the club’s clear project ‘immediately resonated’ with him, prompting him to urge his agent to secure the transfer. He emphasized that team promotion remains his priority over individual accolades, stating ‘my target is for us to go to the Super Lig.’ Bursaspor’s passionate fanbase also influenced his decision through social media encouragement. Iheanacho lightheartedly noted the similarity in club colours—Celtic’s lighter green-and-white hoops versus Bursaspor’s darker green—saying ‘it’s all similar. It’s all good.’ Now tasked with leading Bursaspor’s promotion charge, he aims to help the historic Turkish club return to elite football before pursuing European competition again.