Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has acknowledged that the club expected Kelechi Iheanacho to continue with the Scottish champions before the striker unexpectedly accepted an offer from Turkish club Bursaspor.
The Nigerian international recently completed a free switch to the Turkish second-tier side, ending a lengthy wait over where he would continue his career. His decision came despite Celtic making efforts to retain him after his contributions during last season.
Although fitness setbacks limited his appearances, Iheanacho still delivered important performances, scoring nine times and helping Celtic secure two domestic trophies. His displays convinced the club that he was worth keeping, but negotiations over fresh terms failed to reach a successful conclusion.
Speaking after Celtic’s pre-season encounter with Middlesbrough, O’Neill admitted he did not expect the striker to leave, revealing that he believed everything had already been settled before the transfer took a different direction.
The former manager explained that Celtic intended to offer the forward a contract similar to the one he previously enjoyed after deciding not to trigger the extension clause in his existing agreement.
Reports in Scotland claim the club proposed a weekly wage of about £12,000, with incentives capable of increasing the total to around £17,000. Iheanacho’s representatives were reportedly seeking a much higher salary, believed to be close to £50,000 each week, leaving both parties unable to find common ground.
O’Neill also said he would have welcomed the Nigerian back into the squad for the club’s preparations ahead of the new campaign but accepted that the final decision rested with the player.
Bursaspor eventually secured the deal after moving rapidly to complete discussions, offering Iheanacho a long-term project centred on helping the club regain promotion to Turkey’s top division.
Once crowned Turkish league champions in 2010, Bursaspor have experienced a difficult spell in recent years and are now working towards returning to the Super Lig with the experienced Nigerian striker among their latest additions.
