“We don’t need to talk about that,” Kelechi Iheanacho

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·17. September 2025

“We don’t need to talk about that,” Kelechi Iheanacho

Kelechi Iheanacho has refused to engage with conversations of why his proposed move to Celtic in January did not go through…

Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates scoring the winner for Celtic at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The forward seemed close to a January move to the Scottish champions, but he ended up joining Middlesbrough on loan from La Liga side Sevilla instead.

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Iheanacho’s stint in the English Championship proved disappointing, with only a single goal from 15 matches.

The 28 year-old returned to Spain in the summer, but virtually within minutes after the transfer window closed, his contract was terminated to allow him to sign for Celtic.

After opening his Celtic career with a goal at the weekend at Rugby Park, Iheanacho was questioned about the January move to Glasgow that never materialised.

Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates scoring the winner for Celtic at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Speaking via Teeside Live, he said: “We don’t need to talk about that now, we put that aside and move forward. It didn’t work out that time, but now I think it’s the right time.”

The Nigerian striker’s current boss Brendan Rodgers – who coached him during his time at Leicester City – was delighted with his mat-winning penalty kick and was under no illusions that he was the man to step up to take it.

“He’s got big moments in him and once he gets fitter, he’s only going to get better. Obviously our penalty taker had been off the pitch,” Rodgers said.

Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates scoring the winner for Celtic at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“Benji wanted the penalty and had the confidence, which is great. But my message was for Kelechi. I know what he brings, I know the confidence he brings, and I also know what a goal would do for him. So delighted for him and for the team in particular because it’s been a long couple of weeks, but it’s a big win that for us.”

Iheanacho and his new Celtic teammates will make the short trip to Firhill this weekend to face Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle in the Premier Sports League Cup quarter-final.

Conor Spence