Celtic fans rage at confirmed Kelechi Iheanacho transfer news - 'this club is a shambles'

Celtic fans are furious and baffled that the club have now entered talks to re-sign Kelechi Iheanacho.

Martin O’Neill has confirmed talks are ongoing between the club and the striker's representatives over a new contract.

Celtic had let the 29-year-old’s deal expire in the summer, despite his critical role in the Scottish Premiership title victory.

As a result, fans are furious at how the club has let this happen, with Iheanacho now set to miss out on some of the Hoops’ preseason if he does join.

Celtic did have a one-year option to extend the striker’s contract, which the club let expire.

Clubs in Turkey have recently been credited with interest in the former Manchester City attacker in recent weeks.

Celtic fans baffled as Kelechi Iheanacho contract talks open

After Iheanacho’s contract expired, many expected the striker to be playing his football elsewhere for the 2026-27 campaign.

While many had hoped he’d stay at Parkhead, a departure was not too surprising given his poor injury record.

Therefore, it came as a surprise when O’Neill announced to The Herald that talks were taking place to re-sign the current free agent.

"I'd like to do something with him," O'Neill said of Iheanacho. "If we can do something relatively quickly, at least he then gets started in pre-season, which is really important for him. It's something he didn't have last year.

"So that would be nice. I'm definitely pursuing that at this minute.

"He won't be in Portugal with us, but we are talking to his agent now at this moment. I would like to have him."

However, many fans are simply baffled by this news, believing not only does it show a lack of long-term planning, but it also means that the striker will now miss another full preseason with the squad.

As a result, many took to X to criticise the board for allowing another transfer disaster to happen.

How good was Iheanacho last season for Celtic?

If Celtic are able to get a deal over the line, Iheanacho would still be a great signing for the club.

The attacker is able to score goals from the bench, which is a valuable asset to have for any team.

According to Fotmob on 8 July, in the Scottish Premiership, he averaged 0.92 goals, a 0.95 xG, 4.05 shots and 6.99 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes.

Therefore, if Iheanacho can stay fit for the entire campaign, Celtic will have an elite striker on their hands.

However, it remains to be seen if they can convince Iheanacho to rejoin the club, or if he will be tempted by offers elsewhere this summer.