Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes Kelechi Iheanacho has arrived in Glasgow at exactly the right time in his career, backing the Nigerian striker to shine in green and white.
The 28-year-old joined Celtic on a free transfer after leaving Sevilla, signing a one-year deal just before the Europa League registration deadline. His move reunites him with Rodgers, who coached him during one of his most prolific spells at Leicester City.
Rodgers couldn’t hide his excitement about the reunion:
“Kelechi is a player of real talent—he’s got pace, strength, and incredible work-rate. He’s right in his peak years, and I believe he can bring so much to this team. I’ve no doubt he’ll make a big impact here at Celtic,” he said.
His arrival comes after a tense deadline day that saw fans criticise the club for letting Adam Idah leave for Swansea without an immediate replacement. Supporters even accused the board of being unprepared. But Rodgers is confident Iheanacho’s pedigree will win them over.
“Kelechi will thrive here,” the manager added. “I know our fans will enjoy what he brings to the pitch.”
Iheanacho’s career has seen him lift silverware at Manchester City, where he won the League Cup in 2016, and at Leicester, where he scored 19 goals in the 2020/21 season and helped deliver their first-ever FA Cup. On the international stage, he has represented Nigeria nearly 60 times, playing a crucial role in their run to the 2023 AFCON final.
After a brief spell at Sevilla and a loan to Middlesbrough, the forward now looks set to open a new chapter in Scotland—one that Rodgers believes could be just as memorable as their Leicester days together.
