Celtic leave yet another club “Furious”
Celtic find themselves at the center of yet another controversy after their aggressive pursuit of striker Kelechi Ihéanachō reportedly left a rival club “furious.”
The Hoops moved swiftly to sign the 28-year-old Nigerian free agent from Sevilla just hours before the European transfer window closed, offering him a one-year deal with an option for an additional year. Ihéanachō reunites with manager Brendan Rodgers, who previously worked with him at Leicester City and currently serves as Celtic’s manager.
However, reports reveal that Samsunspor, a Turkish Süper Lig club, had also entered the race and are now reportedly “furious” over what they perceive as a hijacked deal despite a verbal agreement. This development underscores the intense competition and last-minute scramble to land the experienced forward ahead of UEFA registration deadlines.
Celtic’s recruitment activity this summer has generated widespread debate. The club eventually secured Tunisian winger Sebastian Tounekti from Hammarby for £5.2 million, but failed bids for targets like Kasper Dolberg and David Datro Fofana drew criticism. As a result, the late push for free agents like Ihéanachō and opposite-direction interest in Patrick Bamford has highlighted concerns over rushed squad planning.
The fallout goes beyond fans and pundits—another club’s public displeasure adds a new layer to what has already been a tumultuous transfer window. The sense that Celtic’s dealings were executed hastily, possibly at the expense of transparency and mutual respect, will likely draw scrutiny from fellow clubs and governing bodies.
Manager Brendan Rodgers, known for his emphasis on timely and suitable reinforcements, will now be tasked with integrating his new signings swiftly as European and domestic fixtures approach. Ihéanachō’s ability to acclimate quickly could be crucial to the club’s ambitions, particularly as expectations grow amid mounting criticism.
Time will tell whether this high-pressure, fast-paced recruitment drive pays dividends on the pitch—or whether it further alienates Celtic from the very clubs they are meant to partner with in the transfer market.
