Garcia Pimienta breaks silence on Iheanacho’s exit links from Sevilla

Sevilla CF manager, Garcia Pimienta, has opened the door for Kelechi Iheanacho to explore his options in the January transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian, who joined the seven-time Europa League winners in the 2024 summer transfer window is adjusting to life slowly in Spain, where he has fired blank in all his nine La Liga appearance for the club.

Per Estado Deportivo, the Spanish gaffer has expressed his support for the Super Eagles forward despite limited playing time this season.

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Iheanacho, who has struggled to secure regular minutes in the squad, has been training well and is highly regarded by his teammates, according to Pimienta.

The coach emphasised that while the striker’s game time has been limited, his dedication and work ethic have not gone unnoticed.

“Kelechi trains well, he is very well liked by his teammates, he is even very respected,” Pimienta said. “For whatever reason, he is not getting the minutes that make you have continuity, perform better, but I think that when you give everything you have, even if things don’t go your way, I can’t say anything to him. We are here to help him.”

Iheanacho’s opportunities have been limited due to competition for spots, with fellow forward Isaac having played more regularly.

Despite this, Pimienta made it clear that he has no hard feelings towards Iheanacho and would support whatever decision the player makes regarding his future.

“Isaac has played a lot more than him [Isaac Romero] and that determines things,” the manager explained. “If he [Iheanacho] decides to leave in the market, an offer comes up or whatever… I am happy with him. That can be turned around, it will all depend on us talking to each other and finding the best solution.”

Iheanacho is currently linked with a return to England, with West Bromwich Albion looking to secure his signature and Sevilla’s La Liga rivals, Las Palmas, eyeing a loan option for the Nigerian.

With the January transfer window looking, it appears that Iheanacho’s future at the club is uncertain and he might be on his way out to seek regular playing time.