Three reasons why Kelechi Iheanacho not returning is a blessing in disguise for Celtic

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It’s not the news many Celtic fans wanted to hear.

In fact, it’s probably not the news Martin O’Neill wanted to hear because he publicly stated that he wanted Kelechi Iheanacho back at Celtic this summer.

But Iheanacho will now try to work his magic in Turkey’s second tier for Bursaspor.

With many Celtic fans annoyed that Iheanacho hasn’t re-signed, 67 Hail Hail have listed three reasons why this could be a blessing in disguise for the club.

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Kelechi Iheanacho won’t return to Celtic. How do you feel Celtic fans? 🤔🍀

Martin O'Neill has defended the call…😬

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Kelechi Iheanacho’s fitness issues

Nobody doubted Iheanacho’s goalscoring ability. Time and time again, he showcased that he had magic at his feet.

That’s why he scored nine goals in 24 matches for the Hoops.

But the big issue around Iheanacho was his fitness and whether he could be trusted to start a game, play 90 minutes or regular matches.

Despite having a pre-season with Sevilla and an entire campaign to get fit, the 29-year-old didn’t just have injury issues, but constant fitness issues; that’s why he only started eight matches.

A leopard doesn’t change its spots, so in that sense, it’s a headache the likes of O’Neill no longer have to deal with.

Celtic to sign Kasper Høgh?

With O’Neill still wanting more firepower, reports have re-emerged that Celtic still want to sign Kasper Høgh.

At the age of 25, he is a much better and long-term fit than Iheanacho.

Plus, as soon as the 2026 summer transfer re-opened, the Bodø/Glimt star, who netted five Champions League goals last term, was the dream signing for many Celtic supporters.

So, if the Iheanacho and Celtic breakdown, for whatever reason, results in Høgh landing in Glasgow, alongside Camilo Duran, then it truly would be a blessing in disguise.

Goodbye, Michael Nicholson…

Following the mess of the previous summer window, Celtic admitted their mistakes and how they got many things wrong.

There are now sections of the fanbase who fear history will repeat itself.

If that happens, then not re-signing Iheanacho when he was right underneath your noses will seem far, far worse.

If that then leads to the end of Michael Nicholson’s reign at Celtic, then perhaps missing out on Iheanacho will prove to be a blessing in disguise in the long run.