Why Kelechi Iheanacho Turned Down Celtic for Bursaspor, and How the Gamble Is Paying Off

When a striker leaves a Scottish champion for a Turkish second-tier side, people ask questions. That is exactly what happened when Kelechi Iheanacho chose Bursaspor over Celtic this summer. Some fans called it a step down, while others suspected money.

However, a few months later, the story looks very different. Iheanacho is scoring freely, he is back in the Super Eagles, and he has just scored on his return. So, let’s break down why he made the move.

The Short Answer

Iheanacho says every player has his own reasons for choosing a club, and he rejects the idea that Turkey’s second tier is easy. According to Soccernet NG, he told the NFF it is “a genuinely tough division and not as easy as people think.”

Beyond that, there are two key reasons behind the move: Bursaspor offered an ambitious project, and Iheanacho needed regular football and a fresh start.

A Quick Look at His Career So Far

Iheanacho’s path has been long and varied. He came through at Manchester City, then became a familiar name at Leicester City, where AllAfrica noted that he spent seven years and scored 35 times in 173 competitive appearances before moving on.

After Leicester, he moved to Sevilla, and his contract there was later terminated, which left him free to join Celtic. So, by the time Bursaspor called, he had already experienced several different leagues and styles.

His Celtic Chapter: Strong Finish, Uncertain Future

Iheanacho joined Celtic as a free agent in September 2025 after leaving Sevilla. Injuries disrupted his first few months in Scotland, but he finished the season strongly, scoring nine goals in 24 appearances as Celtic won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup.

He also scored off the bench in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline. Only eight of those 24 appearances were starts, which shows how little regular football he had.

Celtic also seemed unsure about extending his stay. That uncertainty opened the door for Bursaspor, who moved quickly and secured him on a three-year contract.

Was It About the Money?

Some reports claimed Bursaspor offered higher wages than Celtic, and that this swayed him. Nobody has published his exact salary, so treat those claims carefully.

Still, money rarely tells the whole story. For a 30-year-old striker, regular minutes, a central role and a club ready to build around him can matter just as much. In other words, the football logic is easier to defend than the “money only” theory.

Bursaspor: Ambition in the Second Tier

Bursaspor may be in the second division, but they are not an ordinary club. They won the Turkish Süper Lig in 2010, and they have just earned promotion to the TFF 1. Lig after finishing first in the TFF 2. Lig last season.

That history gives the project weight. The club is targeting promotion to the top flight, and Iheanacho’s goals have become central to that plan.

The Numbers Say the Gamble Worked

Iheanacho has scored 11 goals and added two assists in his first eight league games for Bursaspor, and he has found the net in every match he has played. That is a bigger return than his entire season in Glasgow.

He was also named the best player of the opening eight matchdays in the TFF 1. Lig, and Bursaspor sat second behind Kayserispor on goal difference at that point.

Even more notable, Opta recorded that it was the first time in his career that he scored in six straight matches. So, for a striker who spent years in supporting roles, this is a very different chapter.

Could Bigger Clubs Come Calling?

Possibly. Turkish outlet Fotomac claimed that “big clubs” are watching his progress, according to 67 Hail Hail, although such reports are always uncertain until a real offer appears.

For now, though, Iheanacho has a three-year deal and a clear job to do. If he keeps scoring, the rest should take care of itself, and his Bursaspor chapter could become the platform for another step up.

The Super Eagles Recall and the Payoff

That form earned him a recall to the Super Eagles for the friendly against Russia, his first national-team appearance since the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica. Our match preview explained why coach Eric Chelle needed him.

He repaid the faith immediately. Iheanacho opened the scoring after about ten minutes with a low shot from the edge of the box, his 15th goal for Nigeria. Nigeria later fought back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3.

The result gave the team a positive response after the 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, which you can revisit in our Guinea-Bissau match analysis.

What This Means for the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Nigeria’s next competitive games come in November, and Chelle now has a real selection question up front. Soccernet’s takeaways say the draw offered relief after Bissau but also created fresh selection headaches.

If Iheanacho keeps scoring in Turkey, he gives the coach another proven option. For a bigger picture of the group, read our guide on how each team qualifies for AFCON 2027.

Moves like this are easy to judge before the results arrive. Now that the goals are coming, Iheanacho’s decision looks smarter than it did in the summer. We will keep following his form, so check back for updates.

Quick FAQs

1. Why did Iheanacho leave Celtic?

His contract expired, Celtic’s plans were uncertain, and Bursaspor offered a three-year deal, regular football and an ambitious project.

2. How many goals has Iheanacho scored for Bursaspor?

He has 11 goals and two assists in his first eight league appearances.

3. Did Iheanacho score for Nigeria against Russia?

Yes. He scored the opening goal in the 3-3 draw on October 6, 2026.

4. Is Iheanacho back in the Super Eagles?

Yes. He earned a recall for the Russia friendly, his first national-team appearance since the 2025 Unity Cup final, and he scored on his return.