Kelechi Iheanacho's move to Turkish side Bursaspor has left Celtic manager Martin O'Neill surprised after admitting he believed the Nigerian striker was set to remain at Parkhead, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles forward completed a shock transfer to the ambitious Turkish second-tier club earlier this week, bringing an end to months of speculation surrounding his future.
Iheanacho enjoyed a productive spell with Celtic last season, scoring nine goals and playing a key role in the club's domestic double, prompting the Scottish champions to explore the possibility of extending his stay.
However, negotiations eventually collapsed, allowing Bursaspor to swoop in and secure the former Leicester City striker on a three-year deal.
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Celtic's Martin O'Neill stunned by Bursaspor move
Speaking after Celtic's pre-season draw against Middlesbrough, O'Neill admitted he was convinced an agreement had already been reached with Iheanacho before the situation dramatically changed.
“He's gone, I thought we had a deal with him at the time but that wasn't the case and so he's gone to pastures new,” the 74-year-old said in quotes revealed by the Daily Record.
The Northern Irish manager revealed Celtic had hoped to retain Iheanacho on terms similar to his previous contract after allowing the one-year extension option in his deal to expire.
Soccernet.ng previously reported that Celtic's offer was worth around £12,000 per week, potentially increasing to £17,000 through bonuses.
However, discussions broke down after Iheanacho's camp sought a significantly improved package, believed to be close to £50,000 per week.
“The option would be to take someone on similar terms to before, so that's where the difference was,” O'Neill added.
The Celtic boss also expressed disappointment at not having the Nigerian available for pre-season preparations.
“He started one game in my two spells against Dundee United but it would have been nice to have him for pre-season. He’s chosen to go elsewhere.
“I don’t know what date. I just tried to answer it the best possible way. I thought we had a deal with him but it didn’t materialise.
“If he’s gone to another club that’s his decision.”
Iheanacho eventually opted for Bursaspor after the Turkish club moved quickly, completing negotiations within 24 hours and presenting a long-term sporting project centred around an immediate return to the Super Lig.
The Nigerian striker is also understood to have consulted several other Super Eagles stars already playing in Turkey before making his final decision.
Can Kelechi Iheanacho help Bursaspor to the Super Lig?
Bursaspor are one of Turkey's most historic clubs, having won the Turkish Super Lig title in 2010, but have endured a difficult period in recent years that saw them drop into the second tier.
The arrival of Iheanacho signals serious ambition from the Green Crocodiles. At 29, the former Manchester City star still possesses the experience and quality required to make a major impact in Turkish football.
Despite inconsistent spells in recent years, Iheanacho showed at Celtic that he remains a reliable goalscorer when used correctly, particularly as a second striker or impact forward off the bench.
His experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League, UEFA competitions and with the Super Eagles, could be vital in a promotion race that often demands leadership and composure.
If Iheanacho can remain fit and replicate the form he displayed in Scotland, he could become one of the standout players in the Turkish second division and significantly boost Bursaspor's chances of securing an immediate return to the Super Lig.
For now, though, Celtic are left rueing their decision to let the former Sevilla striker slip away from under their noses.
