Kelechi Iheanacho’s future at Celtic is under renewed scrutiny after he came off the bench in Saturday’s title-clinching match against Hearts and rattled the post in the 79th minute. Celtic were level at 1-1 when Iheanacho replaced Sebastian Tounekti at Parkhead, before goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand sealed the championship and delivered the club’s 56th crown.
The striker’s contribution added another sharp moment to a short but eventful spell in Glasgow. Since arriving in September after being released by Sevilla, Iheanacho has scored late winners against Kilmarnock, Dundee, Hibs and Motherwell, yet he has started only four of his 15 appearances for Celtic. His deal runs out next month, although the club have the option to extend it by another 12 months on his terms.
That contract situation has pushed the debate over his role into the open. Stiliyan Petrov said he does not think Iheanacho is the answer for Celtic, arguing that a club of this size needs a striker who can compete all season, stay fit all season, be ready and be mobile. He added that Celtic need something more powerful, with speed and mobility, because that is what is required at a big club.
The comments land at a time when Celtic are being pressed to settle their long-term striker plans, and Iheanacho’s mixed case is easy to see. He has delivered decisive late goals and a few valuable points, but he has not made himself an automatic starter, and Saturday again showed how quickly he can be involved without yet defining the role. For Celtic, the immediate prize is already secured; the next decision is whether a player with clutch moments but limited starts fits the future they are trying to build.
The answer will shape more than one contract. With the season closed out and the title in hand, Celtic must decide whether Iheanacho is a short-term match-winner or part of a longer rebuild up front.
