Celtic Pursuing Kelechi Iheanacho Deal As O'Neill Targets Quick Signature

Martin O'Neill says Celtic are working to bring Kelechi Iheanacho back to the club, with talks ongoing over a fresh agreement. O'Neill also confirms Celtic want Marcelo Saracchi to return after a strong loan from Boca Juniors during the previous campaign.

Iheanacho initially joined Celtic on a one-year contract in September last year, which included an option for a further 12 months. That clause has not yet been activated, so Celtic are now trying to secure a new deal rather than lose Iheanacho.

O'Neill stresses that timing is crucial, because Celtic’s pre-season schedule has already started. Celtic drew 1-1 with Shelbourne in Dublin on Tuesday, and the Scottish Premiership defence begins against Dundee on August 3, so squad decisions now carry extra weight.

"I'd like to do something with him," O'Neill told reporters. "If we can do something relatively quickly, at least he then gets started in pre-season, which is really important for him. It's something he didn't have last year. After about three minutes, he was injured against Sturm Graz, and he then hurt himself in the League Cup final as well. I would like to have him. It would be nice. I'm definitely pursuing that at this minute."

Despite those injury setbacks, Iheanacho still delivered key contributions in the 2025-26 season. The Nigeria international scored in the Scottish Cup final, a 3-1 victory against Dunfermline Athletic, and played a major part in Celtic’s dramatic Premiership title success.

Celtic clinched the Scottish Premiership crown with a late winner against Hearts on the final day. Iheanacho’s league return featured five goals in 13 matches, with only four starts, and he finished on nine goals in all competitions for Celtic across the season.

Those numbers strengthen O'Neill’s case for another agreement with Iheanacho. The forward’s productivity, despite limited minutes and disrupted preparation, suggests further potential across a full campaign, especially if Iheanacho can complete a full pre-season with Celtic’s squad.

O'Neill’s interest in Saracchi runs alongside the Iheanacho talks, as Celtic try to keep stability in key areas. The full-back impressed during a loan from Boca Juniors, and Celtic now aim to secure Saracchi again while finalising the attacking options.

With pre-season already underway and competitive fixtures approaching, Celtic want clarity on both players soon. Decisions on Iheanacho and Saracchi will shape O'Neill’s plans as Celtic prepare for another Scottish Premiership campaign and further domestic cup challenges.