Kelechi Iheanacho of Sevilla FC and Fran Beltran and Carl Starfelt of RC Celta de Vigo during the La Liga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Celta de Vigo played at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on December 14, 2024. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
Sevilla head coach, Garcia Pimienta, has given an update about the future of Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, at the club, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old moved to Seville after his contract with Leicester City ran out at the end of last summer, but his time in Spain has not been smooth.
In nine La Liga games, Iheanacho is yet to score a goal, but is in good form in the Copa Del Rey, scoring three goals in two games.
The former Manchester forward has largely been second fiddle at the Ramos Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium and has been rumoured to be on his way out. Additionally, many have claimed the Nigerian forward has added extra weight, which has played a vital role in his poor form.
Pimienta, addressing the future of the 2021 FA Cup winner, denied the reports claiming Iheanacho was overweight.
“He isn’t overweight. We’re strict about that. After the injury, I’m not sure, but before Christmas, he was at his ideal weight. This week might be the first he can train with the group. Iheanacho is part of the squad, and if he has to play, he will play,” the Spanish coach said about the striker’s weight as revealed by Diario De Sevilla.
Additionally, the 50-year-old also addressed a possible departure of the Nigerian in this winter transfer window, as he has been linked with a move to EFL Championship side, Leeds United.
“If it improves what we have, there’s no problem. I don’t know why some players click better with certain clubs or environments than others. I don’t know if Kelechi will stay until the end of the season. Offers have come in for him. He’s well-established in England and surely wants more playing time.
“I understand he wants to leave, but if I consider he needs to play, he will play. For some reason, Iheanacho hasn’t performed here at the level we all expect, including himself. With his CV, some things just don’t make sense. Watching him train, you’d say, ‘This guy has more than enough quality,” Pimienta added.
Sevilla are currently 11th on the La Liga table, and need to pick up points if they’re to qualify for European competitions next season.
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