The future of Kelechi Iheanacho at Celtic remains unresolved, with interim manager Martin O’Neill insisting that the club has not yet determined the striker’s long-term status. The 29-year-old Nigerian international arrived at Celtic Park as a free agent last summer following his departure from Spanish side Sevilla, but his debut campaign in Scotland has been significantly disrupted by persistent fitness issues. These recurring injury concerns had previously fueled speculation regarding his longevity with the Hoops, yet his recent resurgence has provided a timely boost to the club’s pursuit of back-to-back league titles.
Iheanacho’s impact was most recently felt on Sunday during a high-stakes encounter against Hibernian at Easter Road. Introduced as a second-half substitute, the former Manchester City forward netted the decisive goal to secure a vital 2-1 victory, bringing his season tally to seven goals across all competitions. His ability to produce match-winning moments has become a critical asset for O’Neill’s side, particularly as the Scottish Premiership race enters its most intense phase. Despite this upturn in form, the management is maintaining a cautious approach, prioritizing the player’s physical conditioning over contract negotiations.
Following the triumph in Edinburgh, O’Neill clarified that the primary objective for the forward is to maintain his availability and consistency on the pitch before any formal discussions take place.
“That’s a conversation for another day. Right now, his (Iheanacho) fitness is the most important thing, and he has to keep proving that he’s fit on the field,” O’Neill remarked during his post-match analysis.
As the season approaches its climax, Iheanacho’s contribution could prove to be the difference-maker for the defending champions. However, for the striker to secure a permanent place in the club’s future plans, he will need to demonstrate that his recent fitness struggles are firmly behind him. For now, both the player and the interim boss appear focused on the immediate task of securing silverware before addressing the complexities of the upcoming transfer window.
