Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed that Bursaspor’s ambition to return to the Turkish Super Lig and compete in Europe convinced him to turn down a new contract at Celtic, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 29-year-old completed a surprise move to the Turkish second-tier club last week after helping Celtic win a domestic double during the 2025/26 season.
His decision came as a surprise to the Scottish champions, with manager Martin O’Neill previously revealing that he believed an agreement had been reached for Iheanacho to remain at Parkhead before negotiations broke down.
However, the former Manchester City and Leicester City striker has now explained that Bursaspor’s sporting project, rather than financial incentives, was the decisive factor behind his move.
Speaking on the club’s official YouTube channel, Iheanacho said he was impressed by Bursaspor’s plans to return to the top flight and eventually compete in Europe.
“When I heard about their project, that they wanted to climb up to the Super Lig and also play in Europe, I said this is a big project and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team,” he said.
“So I asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor.”
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Iheanacho, who scored nine goals during his season with Celtic, said securing promotion would be his priority rather than pursuing individual targets.
“We know what we want as a team. Collectively as a team, hopefully we achieve promotion—that is our main target before the individual target of a player,” he added.
“My target is for us to go to the Super Lig.”
The Nigerian also thanked Bursaspor supporters for their role in convincing him to join the club, revealing that fans had repeatedly urged him to make the move on social media.
Iheanacho will now hope to help revive the fortunes of the former Turkish champions, while continuing his own career resurgence in the colours of a club whose green-and-white shirt has a familiar feel.
“It’s the same green and white, to be fair,” he joked. “Celtic is a bit lighter green, Bursaspor is dark green. It’s a little bit different but it’s all similar. It’s all good.”
