Brendan Rodgers backs Kelechi Iheanacho to make ‘big contribution’ to Celtic

Brendan Rodgers believes Celtic are getting former Manchester City and Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho “right in his peak years”.

The 28-year-old Nigeria international finalised a move to the Hoops late on Tuesday night as a free agent, just in time to be registered for the club’s upcoming Europa League campaign.

Iheanacho has joined on a one-year deal, with the Scottish champions having the option of a further year.

The move reunites the forward with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, under whom he played at Leicester, where he spent seven years between 2017 and 2024 after joining from Manchester City.

Iheanacho, an FA Cup winner in 2021 with the Foxes, moved to Sevilla last summer and joined Middlesbrough on loan in January after his time in Spain did not go to plan, but Rodgers is confident he can bring out the best in the striker in Glasgow.

“I know Kelechi so well and what he can bring to the team,” the manager told the Celtic website. “He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work rate.

“I am sure he will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings. He has great experience and he is right in his peak years so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”

Iheanacho’s arrival goes some way to replenishing the Celtic strike force following the sale of centre-forwards Kyogo Furuhashi in January and Adam Idah on Monday.