Career in Limbo

With Sevilla Coach, Matias Almeyda, having declared him surplus to requirement, and with no offers coming from top European clubs, aside from English second tier sides, a Mexico club and, most recently, Turkish side, Besiktas, and with major leagues kicking off this weekend, the next destination of Nigeria international, Kelechi Iheanacho is still in Limbo. And with AFCON just few months away and considering the former Leicester City attacker’s predicament, it would take a miracle for the U17 World Cup winner to be part of the three-time African champions’ party to Morocco, considering the avalanche of Nigerian attackers doing well in their various European clubs 

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aving been deemed surplus to requirements by Sevillamanager, Matias Almeyda, Kelechi Iheanacho may have a fresh opportunity to revive his career in Mexico after the Nigerian striker has been offered to Club Universidad Nacional, better known as Pumas, as the Liga MX side explore attacking reinforcements.

Mexico’s Pumas UNAM are actively pursuing the Nigerian forward, currently with Sevilla, but face stiff competition from clubs in Europe, notably Besiktas.

Despite interest from Liga MX, no formal contact has yet been made, and negotiations remain fluid.

Sevilla’s coach, Matias, has signalled that Iheanacho is free to explore his options, citing offers from England, Turkey, and other European leagues, though nothing concrete has emerged so far. Pumas, building momentum after securing stars like Keylor Navas and Aaron Ramsey, see Iheanachoas a marquee addition if they can outbid rivals and win the striker’s approval.

Pumas are chasing a statement signing and Iheanacho fits the bill. With European suitors still interested, the Liga MX side must deliver a deal that combines ambition, financial appeal, and immediate commitment. It’s a bold move but bold is exactly what Pumas are signalling this window.

Iheanacho, for his part, needs minutes not just headlines. A move to Mexico could offer both game time and spotlight, but the draw of Europe’s competition and familiarity continues to weigh heavily. If he values revival and exposure, Pumas must offer more than a contract; they must present a pathway to reinvention.

If Pumas land him, it would firm their global intent. If Europe wins out, it underscores Iheanacho’s ongoing ambition to make a mark at the top levels. Either way, his next move will matter both for the club he joins and his own redemption arc.

Sevilla’s coach publicly confirmed that Iheanacho has multiple offers, giving him control over his next career move.

Pumas are bolstering their squad aggressively, having already signed Keylor Navas and Aaron Ramsey, signallingintent to return to prominence.

Talks between Pumas and Iheanacho remain informal, with no contract negotiations or official contact yet initiated.

Besiktas and Sevilla themselves remain in the picture, making Pumas a late but ambitious contender.

At 28, Iheanacho needs playing time to secure his slot for Nigeria’s AFCON squad later this year, adding urgency to his transfer decision.

Mundo Deportivo confirmed that Iheanacho had only just rejoined the group due to what was officially described as an “indigestion”, but his exclusion is more indicative of his peripheral role in the club’s plans.

Sevilla are reportedly actively working to trim their squad this summer, and Iheanacho appears among the first set to be offloaded.

Meanwhile, Spanish Outlet Orgullobiri has reported that Sevilla have set a new price tag of €3 million on Iheanacho. This is €1.5 million less than his value on Transfermarkt.

Iheanacho’s future is uncertain at Sevilla, as he has failed to adjust to life there since joining last summer.

He had to play second fiddle to a faltering Isaac Romero in the first half of last season. Due to his lack of minutes, he joined Championship club Middlesbrough on loan in the January transfer window. Still, he did not deliver, and that made the club decide against a permanent move for him.

Interestingly, Turkish Super Lig club Besiktas are considering a move for the Super Eagles striker this summer, as Sevilla set a €3 million asking price for the out-of-favourforward.

Last season, Iheanacho contributed just four goals and two assists in 26 appearances across both Sevilla and Middlesbrough, highlighting his struggles to rediscover the form that made him a key player at Leicester City.

Reports from Gola TV indicate that Besiktas are exploring the possibility of signing Iheanacho as they look to add attacking reinforcements for the upcoming campaign.

The Istanbul giants recently completed the signing of another Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, and his presence could influence their interest in Iheanacho, given their previous partnership at Leicester City.

Besiktas are seeking to strengthen their squad as they bid to challenge Galatasaray’s dominance in the Turkish Super Lig, with attacking options a priority for the club’s recruitment team.

The Nigerian striker represents an attractive financial option for Besiktas due to his relatively modest asking price, though his recent struggles may raise questions about his ability to deliver consistent performances.

His potential move to Turkey would represent another opportunity to rediscover the scoring touch that made him a regular feature in Nigeria’s national team setup.

Meanwhile, Sevilla sporting director, Victor Orta, has earlier admitted the club made a “mistake” by signing Iheanacho last year.

Iheanacho himself has changed clubs twice as he tried to get his career back on track.

The Super Eagles forward spent last season at Leicester as they won the Championship.

After his contract with the Foxes ran out, Iheanacho moved to Sevilla last summer.

Although he scored three goals in the Copa Del Rey, he struggled to perform at the same level in La Liga, as he scored once in 11 appearances, most of which were off the bench.

Iheanacho then moved again to Middlesbrough in the English Championship.

Speaking at the unveiling of Joaquin Caparros as Sevilla’snew head coach, Orta said: “I want to clarify that the first two strikers were brought in as complements, to be practically the third striker, because there was a starter like Youssef and a striker who later appeared, like Isaac.

“But it’s clear that betting on Kelechi this season has been a mistake, and we will analyse why we made it and we are doing so now.”

It remains to be seen which club Iheanacho ends with before the closure of the summer transfer window, but one thing that is very clear is that it would not be a high-profile club, considering his dip in form.

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