Iheanacho reveals why he chose Bursaspor after Celtic exit

Kelechi Iheanacho says he was focused on his football rather than considering his next move when Bursaspor made contact during the summer transfer window.

The Nigeria international joined the Turkish second-division club after leaving Scottish Premiership side Celtic, where he had spent the second half of last season on loan.

Iheanacho helped Celtic to domestic success during his time in Scotland, scoring nine goals in 24 appearances in all competitions. However, his future became uncertain when the club delayed offering him a new contract, allowing him to move on at the end of the campaign.

The 30-year-old striker eventually made the unexpected switch to Bursaspor, where he has made an outstanding start. He has scored 16 goals and supplied three assists in 12 league appearances for the Turkish club.

Explaining how the transfer came about, Iheanacho said discussions were handled largely by his representatives and Bursaspor’s directors rather than by him personally.

“To be fair, I don’t talk about transfers. I really try to concentrate on my football. The transfer talks were done with the agents and directors,” Iheanacho told Bursaspor TV.

The forward said his agent later informed him that Bursaspor were interested and provided details about the club and the proposed move.

“Of course, I am aware of the transfer talks. I don’t really know how they were contacted, but I was told by my agent that Bursaspor were in contact. He explained everything to me in detail. I was happy, and I said yes,” he added.

Iheanacho said the information he received convinced him that the move offered a positive opportunity, despite Bursaspor competing in Turkey’s second tier.

“It’s a good and interesting place, according to how he told me about it. We went through everything together, and we saw it was a very concrete situation,” he said.

His decision has been rewarded with a prolific opening spell in Turkey, with his 16 league goals making him one of Bursaspor’s most effective attacking players. That form represents a strong response after his season at Celtic ended without a permanent agreement.

Iheanacho’s move also brought an abrupt change from Scottish Premiership football to the Turkish second division, but his performances have quickly made the transfer a success on the pitch.