Rodgers Backs Iheanacho to Shine at Celtic: “He Will Love It Here”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho will flourish at the club and quickly win over the supporters after completing a free transfer move.

The 28-year-old joined the Scottish champions on a one-year deal, just a day after parting ways with Sevilla. His arrival came only hours before the Europa League registration deadline and followed mounting criticism from fans over the club’s failure to sign a striker on transfer deadline day.

Rodgers, who previously worked with Iheanacho at Leicester City, expressed confidence that the forward would make an immediate impact.

“He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate,” Rodgers told Celtic’s official website.

“He has great experience and he is right in his peak years, so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”

The move comes amid discontent from the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters Clubs, who strongly criticised the sale of Adam Idah to Swansea City without securing a direct replacement. The group accused the club’s board of “failure to strengthen the squad” and pointed to “disarray witnessed on the final evening of the transfer window.”

Rodgers, however, insisted that Iheanacho brings the right quality to his squad. “He will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings,” he added.

Iheanacho began his senior career at Manchester City, where he won the League Cup, before going on to make more than 200 appearances for Leicester City, helping the Foxes win the FA Cup in 2021.

He was also part of Nigeria’s squad that finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has earned 59 caps for his country.

After leaving Leicester last summer, Iheanacho signed with Sevilla but spent the latter part of the season on loan at Middlesbrough in the English Championship.