Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has revealed that the Scottish champions believed they had reached an agreement with Kelechi Iheanacho before the Nigerian striker completed a surprise move to Turkish side Bursaspor.
Iheanacho sealed a free transfer to the Turkish second-tier club last week, ending months of speculation over his future despite Celtic’s efforts to keep him following an impressive loan spell last season.
Despite being slowed down by injuries, the Super Eagles forward scored nine goals and played a key role in Celtic’s domestic double, prompting the club to explore the possibility of extending his stay. However, negotiations eventually broke down, paving the way for Bursaspor to secure the former Leicester City striker on a three-year contract.
Speaking after Celtic’s pre-season draw against Middlesbrough, O’Neill admitted he was taken aback by the turn of events, insisting he had been under the impression that Iheanacho had already agreed to remain with the club.
“He’s gone, I thought we had a deal with him at the time but that wasn’t the case and so he’s gone to pastures new,” the 74-year-old said in quotes revealed by the *Daily Record*.
