Iheanacho Chose Bursaspor After Celtic Deal Collapsed
Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has completed a surprise move to Turkish second-tier club Bursaspor after talks over a permanent stay at Celtic broke down.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill admitted he believed the Scottish champions had reached an agreement with the Nigerian forward before the deal unexpectedly fell apart.
Speaking after Celtic's pre-season draw with Middlesbrough, O'Neill said he was disappointed to lose the 29-year-old.
"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," O'Neill said.
Iheanacho impressed during his loan spell at Celtic last season, scoring nine goals and helping the club secure a domestic double.
His performances prompted Celtic to pursue a permanent deal, but negotiations stalled over financial terms.
Reports indicate Celtic wanted to keep the striker on terms similar to his previous contract, worth around £12,000 per week with performance-related bonuses that could raise the package to about £17,000 weekly.
However, Iheanacho's representatives reportedly sought wages closer to £50,000 per week, creating a gap the club was unwilling to bridge.
O'Neill acknowledged that the wage difference ultimately ended Celtic's hopes of retaining the former Leicester City and Manchester City forward.
Bursaspor moved swiftly to secure Iheanacho's signature on a three-year contract, reportedly completing negotiations within 24 hours.
The Turkish club also presented a long-term project focused on earning immediate promotion back to the Super Lig, a proposal that convinced the Nigerian international after consulting fellow Super Eagles players already playing in Turkey.
Iheanacho joins one of Turkey's most historic clubs. Although Bursaspor won the Turkish Super Lig title in 2010, the club has since fallen into the second division and is aiming for a quick return to the top flight.
With experience in the Premier League, European competitions and international football, Iheanacho is expected to play a key role in Bursaspor's promotion push.
If he reproduces the form that saw him score nine goals for Celtic last season, the Nigerian could prove to be one of the standout performers in the Turkish second tier.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill admitted he believed the Scottish champions had reached an agreement with the Nigerian forward before the deal unexpectedly fell apart.
Speaking after Celtic's pre-season draw with Middlesbrough, O'Neill said he was disappointed to lose the 29-year-old.
"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," O'Neill said.
Iheanacho impressed during his loan spell at Celtic last season, scoring nine goals and helping the club secure a domestic double.
His performances prompted Celtic to pursue a permanent deal, but negotiations stalled over financial terms.
Reports indicate Celtic wanted to keep the striker on terms similar to his previous contract, worth around £12,000 per week with performance-related bonuses that could raise the package to about £17,000 weekly.
However, Iheanacho's representatives reportedly sought wages closer to £50,000 per week, creating a gap the club was unwilling to bridge.
O'Neill acknowledged that the wage difference ultimately ended Celtic's hopes of retaining the former Leicester City and Manchester City forward.
Bursaspor moved swiftly to secure Iheanacho's signature on a three-year contract, reportedly completing negotiations within 24 hours.
The Turkish club also presented a long-term project focused on earning immediate promotion back to the Super Lig, a proposal that convinced the Nigerian international after consulting fellow Super Eagles players already playing in Turkey.
Iheanacho joins one of Turkey's most historic clubs. Although Bursaspor won the Turkish Super Lig title in 2010, the club has since fallen into the second division and is aiming for a quick return to the top flight.
With experience in the Premier League, European competitions and international football, Iheanacho is expected to play a key role in Bursaspor's promotion push.
If he reproduces the form that saw him score nine goals for Celtic last season, the Nigerian could prove to be one of the standout performers in the Turkish second tier.
