The Iheanacho Dilemma: Should Celtic Extend the Striker’s Stay?
Kelechi Iheanacho’s time in Glasgow has been defined by a single word: frustration. Arriving as a free agent following a polarizing 2025 summer window, the 29-year-old was tasked with filling the massive void left by the departures of Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah.
With his current short-term deal set to expire this summer, the Celtic hierarchy faces a difficult decision on whether to retain the former Premier League winner.
The Case for a New Deal: Quality and Presence
When Iheanacho is actually on the pitch, his value to Brendan Rodgers’ side is undeniable. Supporters have seen flashes of the top-tier talent that once thrived at Manchester City and Leicester:
- Impactful Performances: His goal against Motherwell in October and his game-changing cameo in the Europa League against Red Star Belgrade proved he can still deliver on big nights.
- Physical Profile: He offers a level of hold-up play and physicality in the final third that the squad has lacked for years, providing a tactical outlet that other strikers cannot replicate.
The Case Against a New Deal: Reliability and Competition
Despite his talent, the “cons” list is growing harder to ignore, primarily due to his inability to stay fit.
- The “Best Ability is Availability” Rule: Iheanacho has managed only 561 minutes of football this season. For a club already struggling with injuries to key stars like Cameron Carter-Vickers, committing to an injury-prone player is a significant financial risk.
- The New Guard: The arrival of Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu has shifted the landscape. Both players have enjoyed “bright starts,” with Adamu scoring on his debut and Cvancara making immediate contributions.
The Verdict
If Cvancara and Adamu continue to impress, Celtic will likely prioritize making their moves permanent this summer. In that scenario, the club may find it more logical to let Iheanacho move on rather than gambling on the fitness of an aging striker, regardless of his pedigree.
