Rodgers Eyeing Reunion With This Former Leicester City Star: Why Celtic Must Make It Happen | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Scottish Sun is believed to be true, Celtic are eyeing a swoop for Kelechi Iheanacho before Monday’s transfer deadline. They are on the hunt for a new ‘number 9’ after Kyogo Furuhashi’s £10m move to Rennes, and the Sevilla centre-forward, who worked under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, could ply his trade to Glasgow on an initial six-month loan with an option to buy.

After impressing at Taye Academy in his homeland, the 28-year-old Nigerian joined the esteemed youth ranks of Manchester City. He eventually broke into City’s senior side and notched 21 goals in 64 games.

Although the centre-forward was hoping for more first-team football after completing a £25m transfer to Leicester City in the summer of 2017, things did not work out in East Midlands despite spending seven long years there, including a season in the Championship.

MALLORCA, SPAIN – AUGUST 27: Martin Valjent of RCD Mallorca and Kelechi Iheanacho of Sevilla FC competes for the ball during the La Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Sevilla FC at Estadi de Son Moix on August 27, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

Iheanacho settled for a bit-part role under Enzo Maresca, who guided them to an immediate top-flight return. His contract was not renewed, resulting in a Bosman switch to Sevilla last summer. So far, he has only made five starts in La Liga and has yet to score a league goal in nine appearances. His three Copa Del Rey goals came in the first two rounds against lower-league opponents.

Why Celtic Must Rope Him In

Rodgers has done an incredible job to emulate Ange Postecoglou’s legacy at Celtic Park. He relies on the signings made by the Aussie boss and has even sanctioned Jota’s return in this window. However, the Northern Irishman also used his influence to bring Kasper Schmeichel as a free agent back in the summer. Iheanacho, the big Dane’s teammate at King Power during Rodgers’ managerial regime, could script a reunion north of the border.

Celtic are flying high in the Premiership and have also progressed to the knockout phase playoffs of the Champions League. They defeated bitter rivals Rangers to conquer the League Cup crown and their upcoming European encounter against Bayern Munich is expected to draw a lot of attention across the globe. The Bhoys, therefore, must bolster the squad to restore parity high up the pitch, particularly after Kyogo’s high-profile exit.

While Adam Idah has grabbed his opportunity with a brace against Aston Villa, Iheanacho would offer variation with his physicality, work rate and link-up play. Rodgers knows his game having managed him for over four years at Leicester City. The Hoops’ free-flowing football should improve the numbers of the Super Eagles ace if a Parkhead move takes place in the final hours.