Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho has explained his decision to join Turkish second-tier club Bursaspor after leaving Scottish champions Celtic.
The Super Eagles forward completed his move to Bursaspor after helping Celtic win a domestic double in the 2025/26 season. Iheanacho turned down the chance to remain in Scotland and joined the Turkish club after learning about their plans to return to the Super Lig.
Iheanacho Explains Bursaspor Transfer Decision
Kelechi said Bursaspor’s history and promotion plans influenced his decision to move to Turkish football.
The 29-year-old thanked Bursaspor president Furkan, the club officials and his agent for completing the transfer.
“I am very happy to come to Bursaspor. I thank the President, Mr Furkan, and their team for making it possible to come to Bursaspor with the help of my agent as well. I’m very happy, and I am really excited to start here in Bursaspor.”
The former Manchester City and Leicester City striker said Bursaspor’s past success in Turkish football attracted him to the club.
“To be fair, Bursaspor is a big team in Turkey; I heard they’ve won the Turkish Super Lig before.”
Bursaspor won the Turkish Super Lig title in the 2009/10 season and earned promotion to the second division after winning the TFF 2. Lig last season.
Kelechi Iheanacho Targets Promotion With Bursaspor
After hearing about Bursaspor’s plans to return to Turkey’s top division, Iheanacho decided to join the club.
The Nigerian forward said he wanted to help Bursaspor reach the Super Lig and compete in Europe.
“When I heard about the project and how they want to go all the way to the Super Lig and to play in Europe as well, I knew it was a big project; it is very good for me to be involved and help the team.”
Iheanacho also revealed that he asked his agent to complete the transfer because he wanted to become part of the club’s plans.
“So I asked my agent to make sure he did everything possible to make sure I come to Bursaspor. It is a big project, and I hope to be part of it and help the team.
“My target is to make sure we are promoted to the Super Lig.”
Iheanacho joined Bursaspor after scoring nine goals in 24 appearances for Celtic across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign.
The striker will begin the new season with Bursaspor when they face Bodrum away from home on August 9.
Iheanacho has set promotion to the Turkish Super Lig as his main target after completing his move.
