With just 22 appearances for Leicester City in the English Championship out of a possible 43, and several of them coming in from the bench, Kelechi Iheanacho’s days at the King Power Stadium seem to be numbered. Manager, Enzo Maresca for most part of the season preferred the frontline duo of Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka to the Nigerian and they have not let him down. With the contract of the 2023 AFCON silver medalist expiring this summer and the egg heads of the Foxes not showing any sign of renewal, there is every indication that the Super Eagles forward would have to ply his trade elsewhere next season
with a meagre 105 minutes in four appearances for Leicester City since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and wasn’t even considered for a place on the bench in Foxes 5-0 demolition of Southampton midweek inspite of not being injured, Kelechi Iheanacho does not need a soothsayer to tell him he’s no longer in the plans of manager Enzo Maresca. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, speculation is rife regarding his future, with clubs like Fenerbahce SK, Trabzonspor, Galatasaray, Besiktas and Crystal Palace reportedly interested in securing his services.
According to transfer insider, Dean Jones, Kelechi Iheanacho’s days at Leicester City appear numbered predicting the striker’s departure this summer.
The Nigerian forward’s contract expires in June and with Leicester on the cusp of returning to the Premier League, a move away seems increasingly likely.
Iheanacho, who many expected to flourish in the Championship, hasn’t been very impressive, registering just six goals in 25 appearances.
The 27-year-old’s lack of playing time further strengthens the case for his departure.
Iheanacho has only started a meager 23 per cent of Leicester’s Championship fixtures, a clear indication that manager Maresca doesn’t see him as a key part of his plans.
Even when Vardy’s latest injury concern was reported last weekend many thought it would open door for Iheanacho’s playing time, but it was not to be as Maresca still prefered a not fully fit Vardy to Iheanacho against Southampton.
“We have some doubts over Jamie (Vardy) who had a kick in the week and Ricky Ricardo Pereira because of the amount of games he has played. Kiernan has been unwell. Kasey is back. “Very significant. For Jamie and Ricky, it’s more a physical problem. Kiernan has been just unwell. We still have 24 hours. We’ll see if we can. Rumours are however rife suggesting that the Nigeria forward fell out of favour with Maresca for choosing to represent his country at the tournament against the manager’s wishes.
With his contract expiring, Leicester are unlikely to offer him an extension, paving the way for a free transfer.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones hinted Iheanacho’s next destination could be Turkey. Super Lig giants Trabzonspor have reportedly expressed an interest in the striker.
Jones believes that a move to Turkey might be the most realistic option for Iheanacho.
“It looks like he will leave Leicester, and at the moment, the most likely path for him to take is to Turkey. Trabzonspor are one of the teams for him, and these sorts of options might have to become very real, even though it seems to be early in his career,” said Jones.
“From a Leicester point of view, keeping him doesn’t seem a wise move as he is one of the higher earners in that side, and he has only started 10 games in a season when they are going for a Championship promotion.”
The Turkish stalwarts are not alone in their quest of securing the signature of Iheanacho, as Premier League side Crystal Palace appear to be monitoring the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner’s contract situation, hoping to sign him on a free transfer.
The 2023 AFCON silver medalist has racked up a combined total of 231 appearances for the Foxes since joining from Manchester City in 2017, registering a total of 61 goals.
Recent reports emanating however indicates that Iheanacho may snub Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas for Premier League return as he is reportedly considering a departure from Leicester City as his contract with the club approaches its end this season.
Iheanacho’s time on the pitch has been limited since his return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. This lack of consistent playing opportunities has fueled speculation that he may be looking to move on from the Foxes. In light of his situation, several Turkish clubs, including Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas, have shown strong interest in acquiring the services of the Nigerian attacker. They see him as a potential key addition to their squads and are eager to bolster their attacking options.
However, amidst the Turkish interest, Crystal Palace has emerged as a contender for Iheanacho’s signature. The Premier League club has been actively scouting Super Eagles talents and is keen to add Iheanacho to their roster, alongside fellow Nigerian stars Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika.
Reports have it that despite the allure of a potential move to Turkey, Iheanacho’s heart may be set on a return to the Premier League. His desire for regular playing time and the chance to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues could sway his decision in favour of Crystal Palace.
If Crystal Palace can offer him the opportunity to be a key figure in their squad, it may be an offer too good to refuse.
It however remains to be seen where the next destination of Iheanacho would be as he is bound to leave King Power Stadium next season.
