Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that the club is working to retain Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho following his impressive performances last season.
Iheanacho joined the Scottish champions on a one-year deal in September last year, with the club holding an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
The Nigerian forward enjoyed a productive 2025-26 campaign, playing a key role in Celtic’s dramatic Scottish Premiership triumph, which was secured with a last-day victory over Hearts.
He also found the net in Celtic’s 3-1 win over Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final and finished the season with five goals in 13 league appearances, despite making only four starts.
Overall, Iheanacho scored nine goals across all competitions, convincing the club’s hierarchy that he remains an important part of their plans.
Speaking about the striker’s future, O’Neill revealed that discussions are underway to keep him at the club and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached before pre-season preparations gather momentum.
“I’d like to do something with him,” the Celtic manager said.
“If we can do something relatively quickly, at least he then gets started in pre-season, which is really important for him.”
O’Neill noted that injuries disrupted Iheanacho’s first season at the club, limiting his ability to fully settle into the squad.
“It’s something he didn’t have last year. After about three minutes, he was injured against Sturm Graz, and he then hurt himself in the Scottish League Cup final as well,” he added.
“I would like to have him. It would be nice. I’m definitely pursuing that at this minute.”
The Celtic manager also disclosed that the club is attempting to re-sign defender Marcelo Saracchi following an impressive loan spell from Argentine side Boca Juniors.
