Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho has become a target for seven-time Turkish champions Trabzonspor, according to Milliyet, via Sport Witness.
The 27-year-old is out of contract at the King Power Stadium at the end of the season and is free to negotiate with overseas clubs. Whilst he has made 22 Championship appearances this season, he has barely featured since the turn of the year, racking up just 45 minutes of action since Boxing Day. However, he did spend a large chunk of time representing Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations, helping his team reach the final before losing to Ivory Coast.
There were rumours that the ex-Manchester City attacker was in contention to start against Plymouth Argyle last Friday, although he was left out of the matchday squad as the Foxes succumbed to a second successive 1-0 defeat. It’s a result which left Leicester in danger of slipping out of the automatic promotion places, although they were given a reprieve as both Leeds United and Ipswich Town also dropped points.
Manager Enzo Maresca could still call upon his forgotten man for the season run-in to strengthen his goal-shy attack. His team have now failed to score in three of their last five outings.
Reports last year claimed that the East Midlands-based side were keen on extending his seven-year stay at the club, although it now looks increasingly likely that he will depart at the end of the season. According to Turkish media, the striker has appeared on the radar of Trabzonspor, who are looking for alternatives in case they fail to negotiate a deal for Paul Onuacho, who is on loan at the club from Southampton.
The Karadeniz Fırtınası are keen to retain the 29-year-old’s services for another year. It is said that the Saints are only likely to consider a permanent exit though, as they look to recoup as much of the £18 million they paid Genk in 2023 as possible.
This is a fee that Trabzonspor are unwilling to pay, although talks between the two clubs are continuing. As such Iheanacho is seen as a potential alternative. A shortlist has been drawn up which also includes former Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst. Furthermore, it is also claimed that the Turks are interested in Wilfred Ndidi, who is also out of contract at the end of the season.
Writer’s View
The noise around a move to Turkey seem to be growing louder. There’s no doubt that Iheanacho is a player still capable of cutting it in England’s top two tiers, but Trabzonspor are likely to be able to offer European football next season. This is a deal which could happen.
As for Leicester, Maresca may want to consider recalling the striker to the squad for the remaining fixtures. Although they possess a game in hand, they need a spark. The Nigerian international could be the man to provide that. As for Ndidi, a move to Turkey seems highly unlikely, with the midfielder generating interest from the likes of Barcelona.
