Alan McInally Urges Celtic to Retain Kelechi Iheanacho After Productive Debut Season

Celtic are yet to confirm whether they will exercise the optional second year in Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract, but former Aston Villa striker Alan McInally has made his position clear — the Scottish champions should keep the Nigerian forward.

Iheanacho, 29, arrived at Celtic on a free transfer last summer following his departure from Spanish club Sevilla. He signed a one-year deal with a club option for an additional year, meaning the decision over his future rests entirely with the Scottish Premiership champions.

Across all competitions in his debut campaign, the Super Eagles striker recorded nine goals in 24 appearances — a return that McInally believes warrants a contract extension, particularly given the quality Iheanacho demonstrated in the closing stages of the season.

Speaking to the Daily Record, McInally said: “I would keep him. If he can perform the way he did in the last six games over the course of the season, then he is obviously worth keeping.”

However, McInally was careful to frame his endorsement around conditions. The former striker identified fitness and consistency as the defining factors in whether Iheanacho can cement a longer-term role at Parkhead. “That is the big question, though. It is about keeping him fit. It’s up to him to have the discipline and the attitude to play week in, week out,” he added.

McInally also pointed to the role of management in unlocking the striker’s potential, suggesting that the right man-management approach from Celtic boss Martin could prove decisive. “Some players need a kick, and others need a hug, although most want a hug these days, but if Martin feels he can get him going again, then he is definitely worth keeping,” he concluded.

Iheanacho’s career has been defined by flashes of quality interspersed with periods of inconsistency and injury disruption. He spent the majority of his career at Leicester City, where he became known for his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, before a move to Sevilla failed to produce sustained output. His arrival at Celtic on a free transfer represented something of a career reset at 28.

With Celtic still to make a formal announcement regarding the contract option, speculation over the forward’s future at the club continues. Should the Hoops opt against extending his deal, Iheanacho would again become available as a free agent ahead of the 2026/27 season — a prospect likely to attract interest given his nine-goal return in his first year in Scotland.

The timing of the decision also comes as Iheanacho’s international profile remains active, with Nigeria’s Super Eagles involved in the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. His club situation heading into the tournament could have implications for his availability and form at international level.