Key Points:
- Former Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho has scored 18 goals in 15 appearances since joining Turkish side Bursaspor.
- The Nigerian international left Parkhead in the summer transfer window despite manager Martin O’Neill wishing to keep him.
- Iheanacho broke a blank streak by scoring the opening goal in Bursaspor’s away fixture against Antalyaspor following an assist from Amine Boutrah.
- His goal scoring record has established a reported new milestone for the most goals scored by a new signing in Turkish football history.
- Bursaspor lead the league table with ten wins, two draws, and two defeats from 14 matches as they push for promotion to the top flight.
- Broad interest from larger Turkish clubs has emerged regarding a potential future transfer for the forward.
Celtic FC (Glasgow Express) November 10, 2026 – Former Celtic FC forward Kelechi Iheanacho has extended his goalscoring run in Turkish football after departing the Scottish club during the summer transfer window. November 10, 2026 – The Nigerian international joined Turkish second-tier club Bursaspor ahead of the current campaign despite reported efforts by Celtic manager Martin O’Neill to secure his signature for a longer stay. Since completing his move to Turkey, Iheanacho has registered 18 goals in 15 appearances for club and country. His latest goal arrived during Saturday’s away fixture against Antalyaspor, where he converted a first-time effort following a cutback from team-mate Amine Boutrah.
How did Kelechi Iheanacho perform following his departure from Parkhead?
Prior to drawing a blank last weekend, Iheanacho had scored in every competitive appearance made during the current season. The goal against Antalyaspor ended a brief one-match drop in output and took his total tally across all competitions to 18 goals. Reports from local sports media indicate that this start breaks the record for the highest number of goals scored by a newly signed player in the history of Turkish football.
What is Bursaspor’s current standing in the league?
Bursaspor currently occupy first place in their division following a series of positive results. The team has recorded ten victories, two draws, and two defeats from their opening 14 fixtures of the season. The club is seeking promotion to the Turkish top flight, a level at which they have not competed since their relegation in 2019. Under the current competition format, a finish in the top two positions of the league table guarantees automatic promotion to the upper tier.
Are other clubs monitoring the Nigerian striker?
Following his recent performances, interest in Iheanacho has extended beyond his current club. Several larger organizations operating within the upper divisions of Turkish football are reportedly monitoring his progress, leading to speculation regarding potential transfer inquiries in upcoming transfer windows.
What is the background of this development?
Kelechi Iheanacho established his early professional career in England, notably playing for Manchester City and Leicester City before securing a move to Scottish football with Celtic. During his stint at Parkhead, the forward delivered consistent attacking contributions, which led manager Martin O’Neill to express a strong preference for keeping him in Glasgow. However, contractual terms and player preference led to a summer departure, opening the path for his move to Bursaspor. Bursaspor, who won the Turkish Süper Lig title in 2010, experienced financial difficulties and consecutive relegations over the past decade, placing their structural focus on recruiting experienced international talent to secure a return to the top level of Turkish football.
How will this development affect the target audience?
Celtic Supporters and Management
For Celtic FC and its supporters, Iheanacho’s high scoring rate highlights the loss of an effective attacking option following the summer transfer window. Manager Martin O’Neill had publicly indicated a desire to retain the player, and his subsequent output in Turkey emphasizes the potential impact he could have provided in Scottish domestic and European fixtures had he remained at Parkhead.
Bursaspor Fans and Turkish Football
For Bursaspor supporters, Iheanacho’s performances provide immediate value in their attempt to secure promotion back to the Süper Lig after a seven-year absence. His record-breaking tally maintains their leadership position at the top of the table. However, reported interest from larger Turkish clubs presents a dynamic where the club may have to manage transfer interest to retain their primary goalscorer through the remainder of the campaign.
