Turkish Super Lig side Samsunspor have entered the race to sign Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho, setting up a potential transfer tussle with Besiktas, Footynaija.com reports.
Iheanacho, 28, is currently on the books at La Liga club Sevilla, having joined the Spanish side last season following his departure from Leicester City. However, the striker has struggled to rediscover his best form in Spain and spent the second half of last term on loan at Middlesbrough.
Besiktas had been leading the chase for the Super Eagles star and are reportedly prepared to offer around €3m to secure his services. The Black Eagles also hold an emotional advantage in the negotiations as they recently signed Wilfred Ndidi, Iheanacho’s close friend and long-time Leicester team-mate. A reunion in Istanbul could prove tempting for the forward.
#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
Samsunspor, however, are eager to upset those plans. The Red-Whites are in the market for a proven goalscorer and see Iheanacho as a prime target. While they are yet to make an official bid, a report from Gazetevatan suggests that the club’s hierarchy are closely monitoring developments and could move quickly.
Champions pic.twitter.com/fwDZCKIRUk
— Kelechi Iheanacho (@67Kelechi) May 6, 2024
Apart from Besiktas and Samsunspor, Mexico-based Pumas UNAM are one of the clubs looking to make a move for Iheanacho
Iheanacho holds a unique place in Nigerian football history, being the nation’s all-time top scorer in the English FA Cup with 18 goals in 25 appearances. He lifted the trophy with Leicester in 2021 and was named the club’s Player of the Season in 2022-23.
With his future at Sevilla uncertain, a switch to Turkey now looks increasingly likely, whether with Besiktas or Samsunspor.