REVEALED: Three Decisive Reasons Kelechi Iheanacho Rejected Celtic Extension to Join Bursaspor
Nigeria international **Kelechi Iheanacho** has officially completed a move to Turkish outfit **Bursaspor** on a three-year deal. The decision sent shockwaves through Scottish and Turkish football following his domestic double-winning campaign with Celtic.
Despite playing a pivotal role in helping Celtic secure both the **Scottish Premiership** and the **Scottish Cup**, the 29-year-old forward opted to walk away as a free agent on June 30. Information from both camps reveals the **three decisive reasons** behind Iheanacho’s decision to reject Celtic’s extension offer in favor of Bursaspor.
1. Financial Disrespect in Celtic’s Contract Proposal
The primary driving factor stems from contract negotiations with the Glasgow club. Celtic declined to activate an automatic 12-month extension option in Iheanacho’s existing deal and instead presented fresh contract terms.
However, Celtic’s proposal included a **substantial reduction in salary**—reportedly proposing nearly half of his previous weekly earning structure. Sources close to the player’s camp described the reduced-wage offer as a sign of disrespect given his contribution to Celtic’s trophy double. Conversely, Bursaspor offered a far more lucrative package, guaranteeing a base annual salary of **€1.4 million** alongside performance bonuses.
2. Ambition to Lead a Historic European Reconstruction Project
Beyond financial terms, Bursaspor presented a long-term sporting vision that captured the striker’s interest. During his official unveiling, Iheanacho highlighted the club’s clear trajectory back to top-flight football and beyond.
> *”When I heard about their project, that they wanted to climb up to the Süper Lig and also play in Europe, I said that this is a big project and it’s very good for me to come and be involved and help the team. I asked my agent to make sure he does everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor.”*
> — **Kelechi Iheanacho**
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Bursaspor’s history as former Turkish Super Lig champions, combined with their determined strategy to secure promotion and return to European competitions, provided a compelling alternative to remaining in Scotland.
3. Being Valued as a Marquee Centerpiece vs. Role Player
While Iheanacho finished his season at Celtic with **9 goals in 24 appearances**—including late winners against Motherwell, Dundee, and Hibernian, as well as goals in the Scottish Cup semi-final and final—he was primarily utilized as an impact substitute.
At Bursaspor, President **Enes Celik** and executive Furkan Akın conducted a personal 40-day recruitment pursuit to sign the Super Eagles star. Rather than occupying a rotation role, Bursaspor made it clear that Iheanacho would be the club’s marquee figurehead and tactical Focal point. That explicit demonstration of belief convinced Iheanacho to sign through June 2029.
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