Kelechi Iheanacho is now a free agent with Celtic not taking up the option to add a year to his contract.
After drawing a blank to replace Adam Idah during the summer transfer window Celtic signed Iheanacho as a free agent.
That came after he had his Sevilla contract mutually terminated.
Fitness was always a concern but there was no doubting the former Leicester striker around goal.
Away to Dundee, Hibs and Motherwell in the final dozen matches of the season Iheanacho came up with the winning goal.
None were as important as at Fir Park in the second last match of the SPFL season.
Sam Nicholson’s stoppage time handball resulted in a penalty to Celtic. Score and Celtic needed to beat Hearts to be champions. Miss and a three goal winning margin would be required to win the title.
Iheanacho scored, Celtic beat Hearts 3-1 to win the title.
A week later Iheanacho scored in the Scottish Cup Final but that may turn out to be his last Celtic appearance.
CELTIC’S option for another year for title hero Kelechi Iheanacho has expired and now the free agent striker’s in limbo over his future.
Clinical finisher Iheanacho was noticeable by his absence as the champions reported back to Lennoxtown for pre-season training.
SunSport understands the 29-year-old is currently back in Nigeria training on his own.
Ex-Man City and Leicester City ace Iheanacho is believed to be very keen on staying at Parkhead while Martin O’Neill would also be delighted to keep him.
But so far there have been no concrete talks over a new deal.
And now there’s a big question mark over that happening with Turkish clubs already starting to offer him lucrative terms and growing interest from elsewhere in Europe.
The Turkish interest can be treated with a pinch of salt, players worldwide are constantly linked with moves in the Turkish media.
Almost no-one knows the detail of contracts, especially options to retain.
UNCERTAINTY OVER IHEANACHO
What is certain is that Iheanacho wasn’t at pre-season training at Lennoxtown when the non-internationalists returned.
Shin Yamada, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Maik Nawrocki were all among those pictured in training.
Yamada and Callum Osmand were the only strikers pictured today. Johnny Kenny was injured towards the end of last season.
With virtually no communications coming out of Celtic the status of Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is open to speculation.
Celtic’s first pre-season friendly is away to Shelbourne on July 7 which will give the first indication of how the team is shaping up.
A deal could be concluded for Iheanacho but today’s development suggests that a return is looking less likely.
Wouldn’t listen to The Scummy Sun…
They will be pathological liars no doubt !