Embattled Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho should be considering a move away from Leicester City when the January transfer window comes calling in a few months.
Just three seasons down the line, the 22-year old has become surplus to requirements at the King Power Stadium where he has found game time difficult to come by.
Iheanacho’s £25 million move away from the Etihad Stadium at the start of the 2017/2018 season was celebrated as it was expected to give the Nigeria international more chance of playing regular football after showing so much promise at the star-studded Manchester City.
The first season saw the Nigeria international play 21 league games, scoring three goals. He scored additional four goals in FA Cup games as well as one goal in an League Cup game. It was his best season so far.
Things took downward trend in his second season but he still managed to feature in 30 league games mostly as substitute with one goal to his credit and another onw goal in a League Cup outing.
The situation affected his national team chances as he was left out of the Nigeria squad to the last African Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Going into his third and current season, Iheanacho’s predicament, instead of abating following an impressive display during the pre-season, has further heightened with coach Brendan Rodgers refusal to field him in the Foxes’ games since the start of the campaign.
And there seems to be no respite in sight soon for the forward with Jamie Vardie and new signing, Ayoze Perez preferred ahead the Nigerian in the Foxes’ attack.
With Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr having given Iheanacho a lifeline by recalling him for the international friendly game against Ukraine this weekend, the player will do himself a world of good by seeking his exit from Leicester when another transfer window comes calling in January.
By Sulaiman Alao
7 Comments
His greatest mistake was not making a move in the just ended transfer window. Whoever that advised him to stay did so for selfish reasons (I believe). But he should’ve known (based on his performance last season, coupled with that great miss against mancity and the new summer signings this season) that he had already lost his place in the team. Moving away immediately would ve been better for him but he did otherwise. But of course , he’s still a very young lad whom I believe has a lot of fruitful football years on his side if he works hard and must have learnt his lessons the hard way, he has a very bright future. All the best Kele.
A word is enough for the wise. Let us hope Kelechi is wise.
Move to Germany by January, get back to form and start banging the goals again for club and country.
Qhy not got Pelgrini at West Ham United , the coach that gave u opportunity at Man-City?
All these African players managed, they sont undeestand that a good manager makes all in the difference in a mediocre career and successful one.
Your Family member managers have thick acents, do not know the back dealings and channels, has no name.
Talent is not enough.
@CJ
Don’t tell me hid father is his manager. His antics years ago when Kel was moving to Europe is still fresh in my mind.
Which Eagles spot, ppl should please leave this guy alone, They should allow him to focus on his career first.
One of the game’s biggest disappointment. More a question of attitude than ability.