Kelechi Iheanacho joins Bursaspor on free transfer

Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho has completed a free transfer to Turkish second-division club Bursaspor, signing a three-year contract after leaving Scottish champions Celtic. The 29-year-old forward, who played a key role in Celtic's domestic double-winning campaign last season, explained that the club's ambitious project was the primary motivation for his move.

Iheanacho stated that Bursaspor's vision of returning to the Turkish Super League and competing in European competitions convinced him to join. He said he instructed his agent to secure the transfer after learning of the club's plans. In comments published on the club's official website and YouTube channel, Iheanacho expressed his excitement about the new challenge and his determination to contribute with goals and experience to help the team achieve promotion.

The transfer concludes a period of uncertainty following Iheanacho's departure from Celtic. While the Scottish club held an option to extend his contract, that clause was allowed to expire, making the player a free agent. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill indicated the club had reached terms on a new deal, but Iheanacho ultimately chose the move to Turkey.