Super Eagles: “He proved himself” – Ex-Aberdeen star explains why Celtic must keep Iheanacho

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho continues to face uncertainty over his long-term future at Celtic, with his contract set to expire in the coming days, Soccernet.ng reports.

Iheanacho’s future has been up in the air since the end of the 2025-26 season, with no decision made on whether the Scottish champions will extend his stay beyond this summer.

The Nigerian joined Celtic on a one-year deal last summer with the option of a further 12 months. However, he struggled to make an immediate impact after arriving short of match fitness, having missed pre-season.

Despite his difficult start, Iheanacho enjoyed an impressive resurgence towards the end of the campaign. His crucial goals helped Celtic secure a domestic double, putting him back in contention for a contract extension.

However, with his current deal due to expire in the next few days, Celtic are yet to make a final decision, leaving doubts over whether the 29-year-old will remain at Parkhead.

Iheanacho: John Inglis makes Celtic case for Super Eagles star

While Iheanacho's future has remained uncertain throughout the month, he has reportedly been offered to Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, further fuelling speculation over his next move.

Celtic have also been linked with several attacking reinforcements this summer as Martin O’Neill looks to strengthen the squad ahead of next season, as they aim to mount a serious challenge in Europe and maintain their dominance in the Scottish league.

However, former Scotland defender John Inglis believes Celtic should not hesitate to keep Iheanacho, insisting the Nigerian has already shown enough quality to deserve another opportunity.

“Celtic should absolutely look to keep Kelechi”, the former Aberdeen defender told The Scottish Sun.

“I know how much he loved playing for the club last season and the joy he took from winning the big trophies. I think he proved himself with very important goals. Kelechi's just a brilliant finisher in the box.

“He almost went to Celtic at the start of last year after Brendan Rodgers came in for him. We had good discussions over the possibility and Kelechi was very keen to play again for Brendan.

“But Middlesbrough were really determined for his signature and even sent a private jet for him. Kelechi joined them.”

Inglis, who previously worked as Iheanacho's agent, also stressed that a full pre-season would allow the striker to rediscover his best form.

The Super Eagles forward only arrived in September last year after missing pre-season and that contributed significantly to his fitness struggles throughout the campaign.

“What I do think is vital is that he gets a full pre-season with a team and if Celtic are to do anything to keep him then I'd urge them to move quickly”, Inglis added.

“Kelechi's missed the last couple of pre-seasons and it's left him having to play catch-up with his fitness going into the seasons that have followed. It happened again when he went to Celtic and it took him time to get up to speed.

“But everyone saw how good he can be. He's a big-game player and a tremendous pressure-moment finisher. I don't look after Kelechi now but I still regard him as a friend.

“I'd be delighted to see him stay at Celtic – and I know he'd also be very happy about that. But other clubs are now being alerted to the fact he's available”, he concluded.

Celtic now face an important decision over Iheanacho's future. While his quality is not in doubt, concerns remain over his fitness and availability for the course of the campaign.

The Super Eagles striker is already attracting interest from clubs in Turkey and the Middle East, and another chapter in his career could soon begin if Celtic decide against extending his contract.