Transfer insider Dean Jones has shed light on the contract renewal situation of Kelechi Iheanacho at EFL Championship side Leicester City, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
The Nigerian attacker, who made the switch from Manchester City to the Foxes on a four-year deal in 2021, is facing uncertainty as his contract nears its end. It appears that Leicester City may not extend his contract for another season.
Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca has addressed the contract situations of Wilfred Ndidi and Iheanacho, stating that the club will not make decisions regarding contracts until the end of the season.
“At this moment, the focus is on the final target for this season,” Maresca told Leicester Mercury. “If the players who are going to finish with us this season are happy to continue together, good. If we or they are not happy, each one is going to take his decision. We will see.”
Meanwhile, the team is fighting for a return to the Premier League, and they are expected to be active in the transfer market to avoid another relegation to the second division.
Iheanacho Linked with King Power Exit
The Super Eagles attacker has seen limited playing time at the club since his return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, possibly due to his international commitments.
As a result, Iheanacho has been linked with a move away from Leicester City, with Turkish giants such as Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, Besiktas, and Trabzonspor vying for his signature.
Dean Jones, speaking to Givemesports, suggested that Iheanacho may consider a move to Turkey, potentially partnering with his compatriot Paul Onuachu, who intends to stay with his current club.
“It looks like he will leave Leicester, and at the moment, the most likely path for him to take is to Turkey. Trabzonspor are one of the teams for him, and these sorts of options might have to become very real, even though it seems to be early in his career.” Jones said.
Iheanacho and Leicester City Contract Situation
Iheanacho’s contract is reportedly set to expire at the end of the season, with no indication of a renewal attempt.
His underwhelming performances during the 2023-24 season, including just 10 starts in Championship fixtures, have raised doubts about his future at the club.
“Iheanacho broke through at the same time as Marcus Rashford, and the pair were compared when he was at City, but slowly, his form and impact have just waned,” Jones added. “From a Leicester point of view, keeping him doesn’t seem a wise move as he is one of the higher earners in that side, and he has only started ten games in a season when they are going for a Championship promotion.”
If Leicester City secures promotion back to the Premier League, Iheanacho may not be part of their plans.
Will Iheanacho Make the Premier League Switch?
Crystal Palace has expressed interest in signing Iheanacho, along with Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika.
However, adapting to a new environment in Turkey may pose challenges for an English-speaking player like Iheanacho.
Despite competition at Crystal Palace, with players like Eberechi Efe and Michael Olise performing well, Iheanacho’s versatility and ability to make an impact could see him carve out a place in the squad.