Kelechi Iheanacho was not Celtic’s first-choice striker signing.
In fact, he probably wasn’t on Brendan Rodgers’ list at all. Louis Munteanu, David Strelec and most recently Kasper Dolberg were among the list of names linked.
Celtic also pursued Iheanacho in January, but it appears that he opted to join Middlesbrough in the English Championship instead.
But after a failed pursuit of David Datro Fofana left Celtic without a new striker at the transfer deadline – despite needing two – Iheanacho’s release from Sevilla came at the perfect time.
And the Nigerian forward is ready for a new start under a manager he knows well – he is available to make his debut at Rugby Park on Sunday.
Kelechi Iheanacho can be really exciting for Celtic says Brendan Rodgers
Iheanacho was at Leicester City for the entirety of Rodgers’ time at the Midlands club, competing with Jamie Vardy for the starting striker spot.
Photo by MICHAEL REGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Speaking to the media after working with the 28-year-old over the last two weeks, Rodgers revealed one key trait that fans can be encouraged by.
Asked if he was available for Sunday’s match, he said: “Yeah, he’ll be available. It’s the one thing with Kels, he was a player that trained every day. He was always available.
“He has real special moments in games, and I expect that with the love he’ll feel here within the day-to-day work, with the supporters, he can be a really exciting talent for us.
“And I really hope he does, because he’s got big qualities, and he’s a good guy.”
Celtic will be hoping that Iheanacho bounces back from a tough year spent on the fringes at his last two clubs.
What does Iheanacho’s arrival mean for Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny?
In the opening weeks of the season, Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny shared Celtic’s striker load, with the latter scoring on a substitute appearance against Livingston.
Yamada was brought to the club from Kawasaki Frontale this summer, while Kenny extended his Hoops contract until 2029.
But with Iheanacho’s arrival, how will their minutes now look? The arrival of two left-wingers means that Maeda will likely be mostly used through the middle.
Ultimately, the squad situation isn’t ideal for Rodgers, but the hope will be that Iheanacho can up the level of the attack on the whole.