Kelechi Iheanacho was notably absent as Celtic returned to their Lennoxtown training base for the start of pre-season preparations, with uncertainty continuing to hang over the Super Eagles striker’s future just days before his current deal expires, according to a report by Celtsarehere.
The former Manchester City forward, who joined Celtic on a short-term agreement, is now in the final stretch of his contract, which is due to run out on Tuesday, June 30.
That leaves the Scottish champions with only a brief window to decide whether to trigger an extension or allow the 29-year-old to walk away as a free agent, unless a private agreement has already been reached behind the scenes.
Iheanacho’s absence has naturally intensified speculation, coming at a time when squads typically report back for early fitness work and tactical reintegration.
While no official explanation has been given, the timing has added weight to ongoing discussions around his future at the club.
Despite the uncertainty, Iheanacho’s time at Celtic has not gone unnoticed.
After arriving last season, he delivered a series of important performances that helped shape key moments in the club’s domestic campaign.
Operating mostly as an impact substitute, he chipped in with crucial goals that turned tight matches in Celtic’s favour, particularly during the closing stages of the season when margins for error were slim.
His ability to find decisive moments in congested games earned him praise within the squad, with several of his strikes coming at critical points in the title race and cup fixtures.
However, injuries disrupted his rhythm at various stages, limiting his consistency and making it harder to build sustained momentum.
Now, with the contract clock ticking down, Celtic are weighing up their next move carefully, balancing his proven match-winning instincts against fitness concerns and long-term squad planning.
Iheanacho himself is believed to be open to remaining in Glasgow, but nothing has been finalised.
As pre-season gets underway, his future remains one of the quiet but pressing storylines at Celtic Park.
Wale Adejumo
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