Kelechi Iheanacho has been linked to multiple clubs in Turkey and outside Turkey in the past two weeks, and it appears he is close to making a move…
Super Eagles attacker Kelechi Iheanacho is closing in on a transfer from Sevilla to Turkish Super Lig club Samsunspor, Soccernet.ng reports.
Coming into this summer, it was almost certain that Iheanacho would leave Sevilla this summer.
Recall that he joined the Seville-based club in a free transfer last summer. But his first few months at the club were disappointing, as he had to play second fiddle to a struggling Isaac Romero.
Due to his lack of minutes, Iheanacho left Sevilla for Middlesbrough, in a six-month loan transfer. Still, he failed to make a mark there, as he contributed just one goal and two assists in 15 appearances. And at the end of the campaign, Middlesbrough decided against signing him.
Since then, there have been a lot of speculations around Iheanacho. Victor Orta, Sevilla’s former sporting director also gave an inkling about Iheanacho’s future after he made some strong statements about the Super Eagles star in the second half of last season.
The speculations around Iheanacho’s future started slowly this summer. But in recent weeks, he has been linked to different clubs.
Earlier, Soccernet.ng reported that Mexican club Pumas UNAM were considering a move for the 28-year-old forward who turns 29 in October.
But for the past few days, some Turkish clubs have entered the mix. Besiktas was touted as a potential destination for Iheanacho, but Samsunspor are also making moves.
Is Kelechi Iheanacho joining Samsunspor?
According to a report from George Tsarouchas, Kelechi Iheanacho is nearing a transfer to Super Lig side Samsunspor.
Iheanacho has reportedly agreed on a €1.2 million per year contract. But what is left is Sevilla’s asking price. Tsarouchas reports that Samsunspor are still negotiating with Sevilla for for a fee around €3.5 million.
Turkish Super Lig clubs have been splashing the cash this summer, as Samsunspor could well join that trend.
The highest they have spent on a player is €2.5 million, and paying €3.5 million would be them smashing their transfer record.
Samsunspor finished third in the Turkish Super Lig last season and will look to put up a bigger fight this season, and Iheanacho might help their bid.