Incoming Celtic manager Martin O’Neill faces one of his first decisions at Parkhead regarding Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho, whose contract is due to expire at the end of this month, with a verdict expected shortly after the veteran boss is officially confirmed in the role, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Celtic hold an option to extend Iheanacho’s deal for a further season on current terms, but the club are understood to be unlikely to exercise it unilaterally, preferring to reach a mutual agreement before making any decision.
That choice now rests with O’Neill, who praised the Nigerian’s contribution during his time at the club but acknowledged that fitness management had been a persistent issue.
Former Scotland international and analyst Alan McInally has backed the club to retain Iheanacho, pointing to the striker’s quality in front of goal as an asset that cannot easily be replaced.
“If he can perform the way he did in the last six games over the course of the season, then he’s obviously worth keeping. You look at his quality and his ability in front of goal — that doesn’t come easily.
“If the manager feels he can get him going again, then he’s definitely worth keeping,” McInally said.
Iheanacho, who scored crucial goals as Celtic secured the Scottish Premiership title, finished the campaign strongly after battling through fitness challenges for much of the season.
O’Neill is believed to feel that a full pre-season would benefit the striker considerably, and a new deal — potentially on revised terms — remains a possibility.
The 29-year-old has been one of the more prominent Nigerian players in European football this season, and is focused on working his way back into Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s plans ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
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