‘I know Kelechi so much’: Rodgers reunites with Iheanacho as Celtic seal strategic signing
‘I know Kelechi so much,’ Brendan Rodgers said with conviction, and few managers can claim that familiarity quite like him.
Having coached the Nigerian forward during his prolific spell at Leicester City, Rodgers now welcomes him to Celtic.
Celtic Football Club confirmed the signing of Kelechi Iheanacho on a one-year deal, with an option to extend, pending international clearance.
The 28-year-old arrives with a résumé that spans Manchester City, Leicester City, Sevilla, and most recently, Middlesbrough, where he wrapped up the 2024/25 season on loan.
Rodgers, who guided Iheanacho to an FA Cup triumph in 2021, believes the striker is entering his prime and can be a transformative figure for the Scottish giants.
‘He’s got the technical quality, the physical edge, and the mentality to thrive here. He’s a player who knows what it means to win, and he’s hungry for more,’ Rodgers added.
Senior man, as Iheanacho is fondly called, had his most prolific season under Rodgers, in 2020/21, scoring 12 goals in 25 Premier League games.
His four goals in six FA Cup games also propelled Leicester City to their first FA Cup win, with winners against Brighton (1-0) in the fifth round, and against Southampton (1-0) in the semifinals.
He also scored twice and provided an assist in the 3-1 defeat of Manchester United in the quarter-finals.
