The Super Eagles Of Nigeria forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, sparked a new wave of headlines as he completed a free transfer to Spanish top-tier club, Sevilla. The former Leicester man joined the Andalusian side on 31 July 2024 following the expiration of his contract at English side, Leicester City.
Kelechi Iheanacho enters into a new adventure in his club football career and he looks to have an immediate and long-lasting impact while playing for 7 times UEFA Europa League winners.
His adventurous club football journey includes playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, scoring goals for Leicester City, and winning some titles while playing for the Foxes.
His club career progress is highlighted below in 4 different Chapters
- Chapter 1 – Early Days
- Chapter 2 – Manchester Days
- Chapter 3 – Senior Man Level
- Chapter 4 – Spanish Time
Chapter 1 – Early Days
Kelechi Promise Iheanacho was born in Owerri, Imo State. He played for Taye Academy in Imo State at a very young age. He performed greatly at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup leading to top interests from European clubs like Arsenal, Sporting CP, and FC Porto. However, he chose to join Manchester City’s Academy on 10 January 2015.
Chapter 2 – Manchester Days
It took a while for him to be involved in a senior team game after signing for Manchester City. On the 10th of August, 2015, he was included in the first team set up for a competitive fixture for the first time, although he was an unused substitute as his side thumped West Bromwich Albion 3-0. Kelechi Iheanacho eventually made his competitive debut in a 2-0 home win over Watford.
His first competitive goal for the club came on 12 September 2015, an away game against Crystal Palace as he came on to score the only goal.
Kelechi Iheanacho assisted in his first Manchester Derby involvement as his side ran out 2-1 winners on the day.
In October 2016, he was nominated for the FIFA Golden Boy Award, which was eventually won by Renato Sanches.
In total, he scored 21 goals and had 7 assists in 64 appearances for the Manchester side.
Chapter 3 – Senior Man Level
On the 3rd of August 2017, Iheanacho was signed by Leicester City on a 5-year contract for a fee of £25 million. He made his debut for the club in a 4-3 defeat to Arsenal on the 11th of August, 2017.
His first goal came in a League Cup tie against Leeds United on 24 October 2017 and he became the first ever player in English football to ever be given a goal via the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The Nigerian forward was fondly called “Senior Man” by teammates at the club due to his massive contributions and the level of maturity that he exhibited on and off the field of play. In total, he scored 61 goals and recorded 34 assists in 232 appearances at the East Midlands club. He received Leicester’s Player of the Year award following a season that saw the club get relegated from the Premier League.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored 6 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions, as his team won the EFL Championship, securing promotion back to the top flight of English football. He won the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Championship title while playing for the club.
On the 7th of June, 2024, Leicester City confirmed that he would not sign a new contract and would therefore be released.
Chapter 4 – Spanish Time
Kelechi Iheanacho’s next adventure is to be experienced in Spain as he plays for Sevilla FC. Of course, there will surely be concerns about whether the forward can quickly deliver for his new side but he would not take time to settle in. Sevilla FC had acquired a Nigerian before Iheanacho, the person of Chidera Ejuke.
The two compatriots are surely going to help each other blend into the lifestyle of their new surroundings as they look to deliver top and consistent performances at the club.
At this level of his club career, Kelechi Iheanacho has proven to be a winner and a top player who can play in multiple positions on the pitch. He has gained a wide level of experience during his journey to fame and stardom.
From the streets of Owerri to playing at a top European Club. More top performances from “Senior Man” would contribute greatly to the illustrious career he has had so far.
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