Why Celtic allowed Kelechi Iheanacho to join Bursaspor

Celtic’s explanation for Kelechi Iheanacho’s departure has emerged following the Nigerian striker’s move to newly-promoted Turkish side Bursaspor, but the club’s handling of the situation is still likely to raise questions among supporters.

Iheanacho has completed his transfer after Celtic failed to agree fresh terms, while Marcelo Saracchi has also confirmed he will not be returning to Parkhead for the new season.

According to reports, Celtic believed they had reached an agreement in principle with Iheanacho on a deal worth around £12,000 per week, with additional performance bonuses potentially taking the package to £17,000. However, negotiations reportedly stalled before the striker’s representatives returned seeking wages closer to £47,000 per week.

If those figures are accurate, Celtic’s decision not to proceed with the deal is understandable given the significant increase in salary demands.

However, the bigger talking point surrounds the club’s decision not to activate the one-year extension option included in Iheanacho’s original contract.

When Celtic signed the Nigerian on a one-year deal last September, the club confirmed they had the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

Rather than exercising that clause before it expired, Celtic allowed it to lapse before reopening contract discussions with the player and his representatives.

That move effectively left Iheanacho free to negotiate new terms, reducing the club’s leverage during talks.

The developments have added to growing frustration among sections of the Celtic support after the club also missed out on retaining Marcelo Saracchi.

With the new Scottish Premiership season fast approaching, supporters will be hoping the club can quickly move on from the setbacks and strengthen Martin O’Neill’s squad before the transfer window closes.