Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho has finalized his medical with Middlesbrough ahead of his official unveiling as a loan signing until the season’s conclusion, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
The 28-year-old Super Eagles striker has accepted a move to the 2004 EFL Cup champions, with Michael Carrick’s team securing an option to make the switch permanent in the summer transfer window.
As per Sky Sports, Middlesbrough will take on almost the entire €2 million still owed to Iheanacho by Sevilla for the remainder of the season.
Since moving to Sevilla from Leicester City last summer, Iheanacho has struggled in La Liga, failing to find the net in nine league outings. His only goals for the Spanish side came in the Copa del Rey, where he bagged three.
His playing time at Sevilla became even more limited following the arrival of fellow Nigerian striker Akor Adams from Montpellier. Since the January transfer window opened, Iheanacho has been sidelined due to minor fitness issues and ongoing transfer discussions, with the club making it clear that he is not in their long-term plans.
The former Manchester City player rejected moves to Greek sides PAOK and Panathinaikos, as well as Serie B club Venezia, in favor of an England return. A potential transfer to Scottish champions Celtic, which would have reunited him with ex-Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, also fell through.
Now at Middlesbrough, Iheanacho will aim to regain his goal-scoring form as the club pushes for Premier League promotion. Currently sitting seventh in the Championship with 44 points from 29 matches, Carrick’s side is just outside the playoff spots.
