Kelechi Iheanacho is set to join Turkish Super Lig side Samsunspor, ending speculation over a possible move to Besiktas, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian forward, who remains under contract with Sevilla until June 2026, has returned to Spain after a loan stint at Middlesbrough.
While Besiktas had been seen as favourites, particularly after his close friend and Super Eagles teammate Wilfred Ndidi completed a switch there, Samsunspor have now moved decisively to secure his signature.
According to journalist George Tsarouchas, the Black Sea club have reached a verbal agreement with Iheanacho on a deal worth €1.2m per year.
Kelechi #Iheanacho is now really close to sign for #Samsunspor on a huge deal‼️
He already accepted a contract up to €1.2M per year and the Turkish side continues negotiations with #SevillaFC for a fee of 3.5 millions pic.twitter.com/8gZ7WyGobw
— George Tsarouchas (@geo_tsar) August 13, 2025
They are now negotiating with Sevilla over a transfer fee, with €3.5m expected to be enough to finalise the move.
The forward’s current market valuation stands at €4.5m, but the fact he has only one year remaining on his Sevilla contract is likely to give Samsunspor leverage in talks.
The 28-year-old striker had also been linked to Mexican outfit Pumas UNAM, but reports from Africafoot confirm no discussions have taken place between the club and his representatives.
#Samsunspor has submitted an offer to #SevillaFC for Kelechi #Iheanacho
ℹ️ The Spanish team demands 3.500.000€ for the Nigerian striker #Besiktas also in the race but nothing advanced. pic.twitter.com/Vnr3n1DN1f
— George Tsarouchas (@geo_tsar) August 12, 2025
If completed, the move would see Iheanacho follow in the footsteps of former Nigeria internationals Wilson Oruma and Ike Shorunmu, who also played for Samsunspor during their careers.
Negotiations between Samsunspor and Sevilla are ongoing.