Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has revealed that financial disagreements were the decisive factor behind Kelechi Iheanacho’s failed stay at the Scottish champions, despite both the club and the Nigerian forward wanting to continue their partnership.
The revelation brings fresh insight into one of the most talked-about transfer sagas involving the Super Eagles striker, whose future remained uncertain before eventually sealing a move to Turkish side Bursaspor.
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Speaking about the negotiations, O’Neill admitted that Celtic’s coaching staff had already factored Iheanacho into their plans for the new season, believing the former Manchester City forward would remain at the club.
“We wanted Kelechi to stay, and he also wanted to continue with us. I had already planned pre-season with him in mind, but unfortunately the financial side of the deal couldn’t be resolved,” O’Neill said.
The experienced coach explained that discussions between the parties ultimately broke down because an agreement could not be reached over contractual terms, bringing an end to hopes of extending the relationship.
Iheanacho had impressed during his spell with the Scottish champions, rediscovering flashes of the form that once made him one of Nigeria’s most exciting attacking talents.
However, with negotiations reaching a deadlock, the striker opted for a fresh challenge in Turkey, where he is expected to play a key role in Bursaspor’s ambitions.
“Sometimes football decisions are not made on the pitch. In this case, it came down to finances, and that’s why the deal couldn’t happen,” O’Neill added.
The move represents another chapter in Iheanacho’s career after spells with Manchester City, Leicester City and Sevilla, as the 28-year-old looks to revive his career with regular playing time.
The Super Eagles forward will also hope his move provides the consistency needed to strengthen his chances of remaining a key figure in Eric Chelle’s plans ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign and the remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures.
For O’Neill, there is little doubt the transfer could have had a different ending.
But in modern football, he believes, even mutual desire between a player and a club is sometimes not enough when the financial realities fail to align.
