Celtic make contract offer for Iheanacho as O’Neill confirms talks continue

Abayomi Ademola

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that the Scottish champions have made a new contract offer to Kelechi Iheanacho as negotiations continue over the Nigerian striker’s future at the club.

Iheanacho became a free agent after his previous contract expired at the end of June, with Celtic unable to activate the one-year extension clause in his contract. Despite interest from clubs in Qatar and Türkiye, the 29-year-old is expected to remain in Scotland if a deal is agreed. “There is an offer for him (Iheanacho) at the moment. So we will see how it develops,” O’Neill told the Daily Record.

The Super Eagles striker joined Celtic in September last year on a one-year deal and enjoyed an influential debut campaign despite injury setbacks. Iheanacho scored nine goals in 24 appearances in all competitions, including crucial strikes against Kilmarnock, Dundee, Hibernian and Motherwell as the Hoops retained the Scottish Premiership title.

With the club allowing the extension option to expire, Celtic must now negotiate a completely new deal with the former Manchester City striker, who remains a key part of O’Neill’s plans for the 2026/27 season.