BRENDAN RODGERS beat the clock to sign free agent Kelechi Iheanacho.
And the 28-year-old Nigerian striker will go straight into Celtic squad as they prepare for their Europa League bid.
Time was running out for Rodgers after the champions had failed to land Anderlecht’s Kasper Dolberg, who was lured back to Ajax with an eleventh-hour bis from the Dutch giants.
However, the Hoops had a further 24 hours to register their pool of players for Europe with the first game due to kick off against Red Star Belgrade in the Serbian capital in three weeks’ time.
Rodgers, of course, has previous experience of the player after managing him at Leicester City who paid £20million to sign him from Manchester City in 2017, as CQN reported yesterday.
They combined when the Midlands club won the English Cup, beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley in 2021. Keeper Kasper Schmeichel also played that May afternoon.
Now all three are together again at Parkhead after the frontman, who joined Sevilla in 2024 and was released on Monday, signed a one-year deal with a 12-month option.
GREETINGS TO THE NEW BHOY…Kelechi Iheanacho has arrived. Image courtesy Celtic IG.
Rodgers, speaking to the club website, said: “I know Kelechi so well and what he can bring to the team. He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate.
“I am sure he will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings.
“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.”
Turkish Süper Lig clubs Besiktas and Samsunspor and Mexican side Pumas UNAM had been monitoring the international frontman’s situation.
Newly-promoted La Liga side Real Oviedo were also interested, but on this occasion Iheanacho opted to team up again with Rodgers after knocking back a loan move in January to join Middlesbrough where he scored one goal in 15 appearances.
Better late than never, Kelechi!
