Kelechi Iheanacho has signed for Turkish second-tier side Bursaspor on a three-year contract after Celtic refused to meet his wage demands of £50,000 per week. The Nigerian striker, who previously played for Celtic during their double-winning season, rejected a two-year offer from the Hoops to remain at Parkhead.
Wage Demands Too High for Celtic
According to Record Sport, Celtic balked at Iheanacho's request for a blockbuster package of £50k per week, which would have made him the highest earner at the club. The Hoops offered a two-year contract but allowed the automatic one-year extension option to expire at the end of June. However, Bursaspor, who won promotion to the Turkish second tier last season, stepped in with a lucrative three-year deal that met the striker's demands.
Blow for Manager Martin O'Neill
The move is a significant setback for Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, who had expressed hope earlier this week that Iheanacho would lower his demands and return to the club. The manager has already brought in attacker Camilo Duran and extended Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's contract by another 12 months, but fans are growing frustrated with the lack of activity in the summer transfer window.
Further Departures and Transfers
Celtic are also resigned to losing key players such as Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, and Reo Hatate. Meanwhile, defender Maik Nawrocki has completed a £2.5 million move to French club Lens. The club's failure to strengthen the squad further has added to the discontent among supporters.
