Former Arsenal star tips Super Eagles forward for Celtic move after January setback

Former Arsenal and West Ham United striker John Hartson believes Scottish champions Celtic may reignite their interest in Kelechi Iheanacho this summer after missing out on the Super Eagles forward in January, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old Iheanacho, who thrived under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, was strongly linked with a switch to Parkhead earlier this year.

However, despite clear indications that he would leave Sevilla just six months after arriving, Iheanacho turned down offers from clubs in Greece and France before securing a Deadline Day loan move to Middlesbrough in the English Championship.

Kelechi Iheanacho, who signed for Middlesbrough today, was introduced to fans before the club's match against Sunderland earlier this evening #TDD pic.twitter.com/esvjS8cHsH

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 3, 2025

Celtic, meanwhile, were left frustrated in their pursuit of a new striker. A move for Danish forward Mathias Kvistgaarden proved too costly, and no other attainable options emerged, leaving Adam Idah as the club’s sole recognised centre-forward for the second half of the season.

What Hartson said of Super Eagles star Iheanacho 

Former Celtic man Hartson, however, believes Rodgers could try again to bring Iheanacho to Glasgow ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, citing the forward’s past success under the Northern Irishman and the positive example of Kasper Schmeichel’s reintegration into Rodgers’ system at Celtic.

“I think when you worked with a player previously, then you know his character, his strengths and weaknesses,” Hartson told Go Radio via 67 Hail Hail.

“Certainly, I think Kelechi Iheanacho was very good at Leicester. I think he is one of many that Brendan could possibly sign. I like the boy. I thought he was powerful. Good player and scored goals. Maybe that link-up, then everybody will get onto that link-up, with Iheanacho and Brendan. I think he is one of a few Brendan will be looking at.”

Is Iheanacho and Rodgers linkup still possible?

Iheanacho produced some of his best football under Rodgers at Leicester, playing a crucial role in their FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs.

The Foxes also mounted serious top-four challenges under Rodgers, though his tenure ultimately ended in disappointment.

Since returning to Celtic in 2023, Rodgers has delivered immediate success, winning a domestic double last season and securing the League Cup this term. His team has also reached the Champions League knockout stage for the first time since 2013, where they will face Bayern Munich.

Despite the allure of playing European football and competing for trophies in Scotland, Iheanacho opted to join Middlesbrough instead.

The former Manchester City man will now look to help Boro push for a Championship playoff spot before deciding his next move in the summer.