Iheanacho explains why he chose Bursaspor after leaving Celtic
- Kelechi Iheanacho said he left transfer talks to his agent and directors before joining Bursaspor.
- The striker spent last season on loan at Celtic, scoring nine goals in 24 games.
- He has 16 goals and three assists in 12 league games for the Turkish second-division side.
Kelechi Iheanacho has said he did not spend the summer worrying about where he would play next, after his move from Celtic to Turkish second-division club Bursaspor surprised many fans.
The Nigeria striker told Bursaspor TV that he prefers to keep his mind on football while others handle negotiations. "I don't talk about transfers. I really try to concentrate on my football," he said, adding that agents and club directors handled the discussions.
According to Iheanacho, his agent told him Bursaspor had made contact and walked him through the details. He said the move felt concrete once they went over everything, and he was pleased to say yes.
From Celtic loan to Turkey
The 30-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic and helped the Scottish club win domestic honours. He scored nine goals in 24 appearances in all competitions for Celtic.
His stay in Glasgow ended without a new contract, with reports saying Celtic were slow to offer one. That opened the door to Bursaspor in the summer window.
The early returns in Turkey have been strong. Iheanacho has scored 16 goals and set up three more in 12 league games, form that will interest Super Eagles fans watching his club career.
For Nigerian supporters, his explanation is a reminder of how much of a transfer happens away from the player. Iheanacho said he was aware talks were going on but did not know how the clubs made contact until his agent filled him in.
He described Bursaspor as a good and interesting place based on what his agent told him, and said the two of them reviewed the whole situation together before he agreed.
His goalscoring in Turkey comes as Nigeria's coaches keep an eye on forwards ahead of future international windows. A striker finding the net regularly in any league is hard to ignore.
What happens next
Iheanacho will look to keep his scoring run going for Bursaspor as the Turkish second-division season continues. Celtic, meanwhile, have moved on without him after last season's loan.
