(Credit: Imago, Getty)

Evan Shaw

Mon 6 April 2026 11:00, UK

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Kelechi Iheanacho is seemingly doing everything he can to convince Celtic that he is worthy of an extra year on his contract ahead of next season.

The Nigerian’s current deal at Parkhead is due to expire at the end of the campaign, but the Bhoys crucially hold the option to potentially extend those terms for an additional year.

The striker has seen his season heavily disrupted by injuries so far, but he has returned to the fold in recent weeks, and he helped Martin O’Neill’s side remain in the title race with a vital late winner against Dundee on Sunday.

Iheanacho now has three goals from just four starts in the Scottish Premiership this term, but he has so far been unable to stay fit enough to truly stamp his imprint on the team.

Celtic’s transfer plans are already taking shape for next season, and it is clear at the moment that Iheanacho is fighting for his future with the Glasgow giants.

Celtic set for discussions with Kelechi Iheanacho

Football Insider revealed back in February that Celtic are planning talks with Iheanacho regarding his future at the end of the season, with the club hoping to wait until after the end of the title race before making their decision.

His latest goal ensured that O’Neill’s men remain in that race for another week at least, but they are clinging on to the coattails of Hearts and Rangers ahead of the league split.

However, Iheanacho also has the added caveat of fighting for his own future between now and the end of the campaign, as he is effectively playing to convince the club hierarchy that he is worthy of that extension being triggered.

Celtic have struggled to find a consistent goalscorer at the top of the pitch this term amid Daizen Maeda’s dip in form, and they will be wondering what could have been had Iheanacho been able to stay fit for longer periods.

They will now hope that he can have a transformational impact in the final few weeks of the title race, which could easily result in a deal being on the table for him.

Final Iheanacho decision may lie with Celtic medical staff

Iheanacho has spent plenty of time with Celtic’s medical team so far this season, and the decision regarding his future may effectively lie in their hands this summer.

The former Manchester City star has proven himself to be a player who is capable of being a game-changer at Premiership level, but Celtic will have serious doubts regarding his fitness issues.

The medical team will surely be consulted for their assessment of where he is at the end of the campaign, with a view to trying to predict whether more long-term lay-offs could be on the cards, or whether he has overcome the worst of his issues.

Celtic are keen to overhaul their squad alongside the appointment of a new manager this summer, and while it is clear that Iheanacho could be a useful piece of the puzzle, that will only be the case if his availability improves.