Kelechi Iheanacho’s future at Celtic remains uncertain as he avoided confirming whether he will stay with the Scottish club next season, despite helping them clinch the Scottish Cup in a 3-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic. The Nigeria international came off the bench to score one of the goals in the final, adding to his tally of nine goals in 24 appearances this season. The win marked Celtic’s first Scottish Cup triumph since 2023 and completed a domestic double, following their Premiership title success just a week earlier.
Iheanacho, who joined Celtic on a free transfer from Sevilla last September, signed a one-year contract with an option to extend for the 2026–27 season. His move to Parkhead came after falling out of favour at the Spanish club, where he struggled to secure regular playing time. Despite missing a significant portion of the campaign due to a hamstring injury, the former Leicester City forward made crucial contributions, particularly from the substitutes’ bench, in key matches.
In his limited minutes, Iheanacho managed 890 minutes on the pitch and provided one assist, proving his value as a reliable impact player. His experience and composure in high-pressure situations were evident in the Scottish Cup final, where his goal helped seal the victory. Speaking after the match, Iheanacho expressed his joy at winning his first Scottish Cup, acknowledging the challenges the team faced throughout the season.
“I don’t know, we will wait and see,” he told BBC Scotland when asked about his future at Celtic. His cautious response reflects the ongoing discussions between the player and club management regarding contract renewal. While no official decision has been made, his performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case for staying.
Iheanacho also reflected on the emotional journey of the season, describing it as “crazy” and one that will be remembered for a lifetime. “It was tough to get here but we won the trophy,” he said, highlighting the team’s resilience and determination. His contributions, both on and off the pitch, have been widely appreciated by fans and teammates alike.
As Celtic look ahead to the next season, Iheanacho’s role will be a key topic in transfer talks. His ability to deliver in critical moments and his experience at the highest levels of football make him a valuable asset. The club’s management is expected to evaluate his performance and discuss his future in the coming weeks. For now, Iheanacho remains focused on celebrating the Scottish Cup triumph and enjoying the success with his teammates.
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