Kelechi Iheanacho is reportedly to hold talks over a new Celtic contract after this weekend’s Scottish Cup final.
What had initially been a stop-start debut season for the striker ended with him as a fan favourite with five goals in his last eight games — all from the bench.
As Celtic won all of their seven last matches to deliver a Scottish Premiership that had once looked unlikely, Iheanacho played a vital part.
His current contract expires at the end of this season, but the story could be set to continue.
Would you extend Kelechi Iheanacho’s Celtic contract?
Kelechi Iheanacho for Celtic contract talks after Scottish Cup final
According to leading Nigerian outlet Punch Sports, Iheanacho is set to hold talks over a potential contract extension after Saturday’s final.
Several key players are expected to leave Celtic this summer, and any that they can hold on to will be of serious help.
READ MORE: Hannover confirm Maik Nawrocki talks with wheels in motion for Celtic exit
Iheanacho was brought in through the back door after the closure of the transfer window as a player with a pre-existing relationship with then-manager Brendan Rodgers.
Through no fault of his own, Iheanacho watched a chaotic first half of the season from the sidelines. From November to March, he started just one game, often not making matchday squads.
Fitness and managerial preferences were the causes of this. When the season entered its run-in, however, he established himself as Martin O’Neill’s super-sub.
The team’s existing problems in the striker position have necessitated this. Both Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu were brought in as reinforcements in the winter window, but neither had the desired impact.
But despite being brought in to little fanfare, Iheanacho has emerged as one of the team’s main characters.
Daizen Maeda often started through the middle before moving to the wide positions to facilitate Iheanacho’s entrance; he himself also enjoyed a stellar end to the season.
Which Celtic player is most likely to leave this summer? 🤷♂️
Hatate? Maeda? Anyone else?
Kelechi Iheanacho loving life at Celtic
Speaking to Celtic TV last month, Iheanacho revealed “I think I always loved Celtic, to be fair. I’ve followed them over the years.
“Here’s a little secret: I have loved James Forrest for a long, long time.
“When he was playing for Celtic, that is one player that I love in a Celtic jersey as well.
“Obviously there’s a young player that played here, Efe Ambrose. But yeah, Forrest was a player I loved watching when playing for Celtic.
“So it’s been a club I’ve been following for years, and I love the football club as well. So I’m happy I’m a big part of it now. So let’s see how it goes.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
