The aftermath of Celtic’s summer transfer window remains a major talking point.
Kelechi Iheanacho was one of the standout players brought in by Celtic, not in terms of quality, but in terms of the negative noise around his arrival.
It has been a turbulent 12 months for the 28-year-old after he left Leicester City in 2024 following their promotion to the English Premier League.
That doesn’t help Iheanacho’s cause because Brendan Rodgers needs him ready pretty much straight away, but Charlie Mulgrew explained why he can’t see that happening.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s fitness after joining Celtic
With the September international break underway, Iheanacho is using this period to try to get himself as fit as possible.
Speaking on Go Radio, Mulgrew stated that, from what he has seen of the versatile forward, ‘he didn’t look in great shape’ and that needs to change ‘quickly.’
With Adam Idah out of the door, Shin Yamada and Callum Osmand not selected for the Europa League squad, it puts extra pressure on the out-of-form Daizen Maeda to produce the goods, and that’s where Iheanacho comes into it.
“Hopefully, he can be the player that Celtic need,” said Mulgrew. “I am looking forward to him getting fit and getting on the pitch.
“To be honest, when I saw him, he didn’t look in great shape and looked a wee bit out of shape. Maybe needs time to get going.
“But he will need to get moving quickly because a striker is needed. Idah leaving is something I didn’t see coming. I think the manager came out and said that he doesn’t want Idah to go unless somebody else comes in.
“Hopefully, he can hit the ground running because there is only Maeda of any note. I know that Shin Yamada is there. He might come in and do a job. But he isn’t going to play ahead of Maeda, and Iheanacho needs to come in and play.”
Iheanacho’s minutes and starts last season
Back in January, when Kyogo Furuhashi left to join Rennes, Celtic were looking for a forward, and Iheanacho’s name popped up.
Playing for Sevilla, he opted to return to England and join Middlesbrough in the English Championship, but just like his spell in Spain, it was one to forget.
These last 12 months haven’t been great for the Nigerian international, so he needs to find that rhythm, which has been missing for a while, as soon as possible.
- Iheanacho’s games during the 2024/25 season: 26
- Starts: 16
- Most consecutive starts: 5
- Minutes: 1,348
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 2
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