Done deal: Celtic sign second youngest Nigerian-born player to score in Premier League

With a statement on the website, Scottish Premiership giants Celtic have officially confirmed the signing of Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old joins the Glasgow club on a one-year deal, with an option to extend for a further year, subject to international clearance.

His move comes after a difficult spell in Spain, where Sevilla terminated his contract shortly before the close of the summer transfer window.

The switch reunites Iheanacho with Brendan Rodgers, under whom he played at Leicester City, where they lifted the FA Cup in 2021.

Born in Imo State, Iheanacho holds the distinction of being the second-youngest Nigerian-born player to score in the Premier League, behind only Lagos-born striker Victor Anichebe.

A product of Manchester City’s academy, Iheanacho found the net at 18 years and 344 days against Crystal Palace.

Everton youth product Anichebe still holds the record, having opened his Premier League account at just 18 years and 14 days in a clash against West Brom on May 7, 2006.

Speaking to the club's official website, Rodgers expressed delight at working with the Nigerian once again.

"I know Kelechi so well and what he can bring to the team. He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate," he said. 

"I am sure he will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings.

"He has great experience and he is right in his peak years so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team."

The move represents a chance for Iheanacho to revive his career and rediscover the form that once made him one of the most exciting strikers in Nigeria.

It also offers him an opportunity to work his way back into the Super Eagles squad, having been left out of Nigeria's upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Rwanda.

Adeyemi Adewale

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