Celtic Offer Iheanacho Two-Year Deal; Glasgow 2026

Key Points

• Celtic have offered Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho a new two-year contract after his previous deal expired.
• The proposed deal is reported to include a weekly salary of £35,000.
• Performance-related bonuses could add up to £780,000 over the two years.
• Iheanacho played a key role in Celtic’s 2025/26 Scottish Premiership title-winning season.
• Reports indicate Iheanacho has turned down offers from clubs in Turkey and Qatar while weighing Celtic’s offer.
• The striker initially joined Celtic on a one-year deal after leaving Sevilla, where he had been a free agent.
• Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had previously said Iheanacho “will make a big contribution” when the player was signed.
• The new contract underscores Celtic’s intention to retain important squad members following their league triumph.

Celtic FC (Glasgow Express) July 14, 2026 -Celtic have moved to retain the services of Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho by offering him a new two-year contract following the expiration of his previous deal. The proposed contract is understood to include a weekly salary of £35,000, with performance-related bonuses worth up to £780,000 over the duration of the agreement.

The offer comes after an impressive campaign by the Super Eagles striker, who played a key role in Celtic’s successful 2025/2026 Scottish Premiership title-winning season.

Multiple Nigerian and Scottish outlets now describe Iheanacho as “poised” or “set” to sign the new deal, indicating that negotiations are at an advanced stage.

How Much Is Celtic Offering Kelechi Iheanacho in the New Deal?

According to reports, the core of Celtic’s offer is a two-year contract with a basic weekly wage of £35,000. On top of that, performance-related bonuses are structured to reach as high as £780,000 across the full term of the agreement.

As reported by the team at Africa Top Sports, the bonus package is linked to on-field achievements and club performance, reflecting Celtic’s desire to tie Iheanacho’s earnings closely to results.

Crypto Briefing also confirms the £35,000-a-week figure and the £780,000 bonus ceiling, noting these details come from club sources close to the negotiations.

Why Is This Contract Offer Important After Celtic’s Title Win?

The new contract offer is a direct response to Iheanacho’s contribution during Celtic’s 2025/26 Scottish Premiership triumph.

Throughout the season, he was frequently described as a “super-sub” who delivered decisive goals and moments from the bench, helping the club secure the league title.

By offering a two-year deal, Celtic are signalling their intention to build on the foundation that delivered the championship, rather than risking the departure of a player who proved vital in key matches.

The move also aligns with broader squad-planning strategies that see Celtic retaining central figures after major successes.

What Do Reports Say About Iheanacho’s Other Contract Options?

Several sources indicate that Iheanacho has been approached by clubs outside Scotland while Celtic prepared their offer.

According to Celtic Shorts, the striker is said to have

“snubbed several offers from various countries”

as a quick return to Celtic looks increasingly likely.

Glasgow World reports more specifically that Iheanacho has “turned down” offers from Turkey and Qatar while considering Celtic’s renewed interest.

These reports suggest that, despite the possibility of more lucrative short-term deals in the Gulf or Turkey, Iheanacho is prioritising sporting considerations and the chance to remain at a title-winning club in Europe.

How Did Iheanacho’s Celtic Career Begin?

Iheanacho’s Celtic journey began after he became a free agent following the termination of his contract with Spanish club Sevilla.

At that time, at least three clubs were reported to be in a race to sign him, with Celtic eventually beating the Europa League signing deadline to secure his services.

When the one-year deal was agreed, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers stated that Iheanacho “will make a big contribution” to the squad, highlighting the club’s high expectations for the Nigerian forward. The new two-year offer now represents a significant step up from that initial short-term arrangement.

What Happens Next in the Contract Negotiations?

While reports describe Iheanacho as “poised” to extend his stay, the deal has not yet been officially confirmed as signed by Celtic or the player.

The next steps typically involve finalising contract wording, agreeing on specific bonus triggers, and completing medical and administrative procedures before an official announcement.

When the deal is formally confirmed, Celtic are expected to issue a club statement and publish photographs of Iheanacho signing the contract at Parkhead, in line with standard practice for major squad announcements.

Background of the Development

Kelechi Iheanacho is a Nigerian professional footballer who has represented the Super Eagles at international level and previously played in England, Spain and Scotland.

His path to Celtic began after his contract with Sevilla was terminated, leaving him without a club and prompting a transfer search that attracted multiple European and non-European suitors.

Celtic’s initial one-year deal with Iheanacho was signed in late 2025, timed to meet Europa League registration deadlines and strengthen the attacking options for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.

The striker’s performances over that campaign, particularly his late-goal contributions, helped shift the narrative from a temporary fix to a more permanent role within the squad.

The decision to offer a two-year extension in July 2026 follows directly from Celtic’s 2025/26 Scottish Premiership title win, in which Iheanacho was frequently cited as a key rotational player.

The proposed salary and bonus structure reflects both his importance to the team and the club’s desire to stabilise its forward line after a successful season.

Prediction: How Could This Development Affect Celtic Supporters and the Nigerian Football Community?

For Celtic supporters, securing Iheanacho on a longer-term deal is likely to be seen as a positive signal that the club intends to maintain much of the squad that delivered the league title.

Fans who valued his late-game impact may view the contract as vindication of his role and expect him to continue as a crucial option in domestic and European fixtures.

Within the Nigerian football community, the deal reinforces the attractiveness of top European clubs for Nigerian players beyond the usual short-term stints.

A two-year contract at a champion club like Celtic, with a clear salary and substantial bonus potential, could influence how other Nigerian forwards and clubs assess opportunities in Scotland and similar markets.

If Iheanacho continues to perform at this level, his profile may also strengthen interest from Nigerian media and sponsors, potentially boosting commercial opportunities for him and raising the visibility of Nigerian players in the Scottish game.