Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has completed a move to Turkey. The 29-year-old has signed for Bursaspor on a free transfer. The Turkish club announced the deal on Thursday, July 17, 2026.
Iheanacho joined on a three-year contract after leaving Scottish champions Celtic.
According to Transfermarkt, the move became official on July 17, with Bursaspor listed in the TFF 1. Lig, the second tier of Turkish football.
The club just gained promotion last season and is pushing hard to return to the Super Lig. The transfer is a big statement from the ambitious side.
Iheanacho was available as a free agent after Celtic decided not to trigger the 12-month extension in his contract.
The Nigerian striker had a strong, if injury-hit, season in Scotland. He played 13 matches in all competitions and scored seven goals. Five of those came in the Scottish Premiership, with others in the Europa League and the Scottish Cup.
His biggest moments came late in the season. He scored crucial winning goals against Hibernian and Motherwell that kept Celtic on track for the title.
He also came off the bench in the Scottish Cup final to score a brilliant solo goal in the 3-1 win over Dunfermline.
Manager Martin O’Neill wanted to keep him at Parkhead. The Celtic boss had made it clear he wanted Iheanacho back for the new campaign. But reports in Turkey say Bursaspor blew Celtic out of the water financially and offered a longer deal.
For Iheanacho, the move is a fresh challenge. The former Manchester City, Leicester City, Sevilla and Middlesbrough forward has 15 goals for Nigeria.
He had attracted interest from Brazil, with Vasco da Gama linked, and from other clubs in Europe.
He chose Turkey, where fellow Nigerians Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu and Anthony Nwakaeme have excelled.
Bursaspor president Enes Celik had earlier said the club would take its time to pick the right striker after its training camp in Bolu.
With Iheanacho, they have landed an experienced finisher with Premier League, FA Cup and Scottish Premiership pedigree.
He is now expected to join his new teammates and begin pre-season preparations.
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