Kelechi Iheanacho Celtic future is now an open question after he said he hopes to stay at Celtic next season following Saturday afternoon’s Scottish Cup final. He scored in the 3-1 win over Dunfermline and then made his position plain: he wants another year in Glasgow.
“Hopefully, I will be here next season. I am really happy to wear a Celtic shirt and to play for them with all my heart,” Iheanacho said after the final. He also said, “I love the supporters, I love them all. Everyone in the streets of Glasgow, people recognise me. I am happy. The whole of Glasgow is a great city.”
Celtic’s 12-Month Option
Celtic signed the striker on a one-year contract from Sevilla last summer, and he arrived on a Bosman deal. He is currently set to become a free agent at the end of June, but Celtic have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
That decision sits on top of a first season that mixed output with disruption. Iheanacho scored nine goals in 24 games for Celtic, but persistent injury problems limited him to four league starts after he joined in September without a pre-season. When he was available, he was used as an impact substitute, which made his final-day goal a reminder of what he can still offer in a short burst.
Goals And Rotation Pressure
Celtic may also have to manage change in the same area of the pitch. Daizen Maeda may leave Celtic Park this summer, while Junior Adamu, Tomas Cvancara and Joel Mvuka will all return to their parent clubs.
That leaves Iheanacho’s future tied to more than his own preference. He has already said he wants to stay, he has already delivered nine goals, and he has already shown he can score in a final. Now Celtic have to decide whether to keep a striker who has fit their attack in patches, but could matter more if the summer removes other options.
