Kelechi Iheanacho in Celtic's home colours insider Celtic Park

Kelechi IheanachoManh Tung, Breaking Media

'Massive protest tomorrow' - Celtic fans react to Kelechi Iheanacho announcement

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

18 Jul 2026, 9:45 am

Celtic fans are furious with the board after Kelechi Iheanacho officially signed for Bursaspor.

Reports emerged on Friday that the striker had agreed a three-year deal with the Turkish outfit, and he was then unveiled as their new signing later that day.

Celtic had been in talks with Iheanacho as they looked to re-sign the attacker after his contract expired at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

However, despite Martin O’Neill clearly wanting the 29-year-old in his squad ahead of the new season, the Hoops have missed out.

As a result, the Celtic Park faithful are furious, as they believe that the board screwed up yet another deal for the club.

Iheanacho had been fundamental to Celtic’s title campaign last season and scored a series of late winners to help get the club over the line.

Celtic fans blame board for missing out on Kelechi Iheanacho signing

For Celtic, missing out on Iheanacho will be embarrassing.

The club had a one-year extension option in his contract, which they let expire before trying to go back in to negotiate a new deal.

Now, not only have they missed out on the attacker, but they have lost out to a team that is currently in the second tier in Turkey.

As a result, fans are furious and were quick to take to X to slam the board for their incompetence as they missed out on yet another transfer target.

Massive protests are needed tomorrow!!!
— CelticDa (@celticDa7) July 17, 2026

Honestly not surprised in the slightest.

Anybody that thought this summer was going to be different needs serious medical attention.
— J1888 (@John1888P) July 17, 2026

Is this another joke ?
— 🇵🇸Celtic Supporters Club Worldwide (@PaulCelticPools) July 17, 2026

Farcical
— Aidan (@Aidan0421) July 17, 2026

If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry
— Gabe (@Gabemccahill) July 17, 2026

And Michael Nicholson said the out of contract players were the easiest deals to do. There are no words.
— John Francis 🍀🍀🥃 (@Louiemorenzo67) July 17, 2026

A absolute fucking embarassment of a club!!!
— Michael Cathcart (@MCathcart17685) July 17, 2026

Celtic hit by Kelechi Iheanacho blow after three-year deal agreed - report

Iheanacho will leave a big hole at Celtic

Last season, Celtic were already struggling for goals up top. Therefore, when Iheanacho came back from injury and started scoring from the bench, it was a massive boost.

Having a threat that you can bring on and change games was a massive asset, and is one that the club may struggle to replace this summer.

According to Fotmob on 17 July, Iheanacho was averaging 0.92 goals, a 0.95 xG, 4.05 shots and 1.47 shots on target per 90 minutes in the Scottish Premiership last season.

Celtic have therefore missed out on a guaranteed goal threat, and they will be kicking themselves if the striker manages to stay fit over the course of the 2026-27 campaign.

However, now the task for the club will be to bring in another striker, and it remains to be seen if they have anyone else lined up.

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