Kelechi Iheanacho is on the verge of completing a loan move to Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough, as the club successfully beat off competition from Scottish giants Celtic for the Nigerian forward’s signature. According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Middlesbrough has won the race to sign the 28-year-old, who is set to undergo medical examinations before officially finalizing the deal.
The move comes on transfer deadline day, ensuring that Middlesbrough strengthens its squad as they push for promotion.
Iheanacho, who played for Leicester City in the Championship last season, was instrumental in helping the Foxes secure promotion to the Premier League. His experience and goal-scoring ability made him a key player in their campaign, but his time at Sevilla has been far less productive. Since joining the Spanish club, he has struggled for form, failing to register a goal or assist in nine LaLiga appearances. His lack of impact in Spain has led to the decision for a temporary move, with Middlesbrough emerging as the preferred destination.
Middlesbrough, currently sitting in seventh place on the Championship table with 44 points from 29 games, is in contention for a promotion playoff spot. The addition of Iheanacho could provide the extra firepower needed to boost their push toward the Premier League. The Nigerian forward’s ability to score crucial goals and link up play will be an asset for Michael Carrick’s side, who are looking to strengthen their attacking options.
A product of the Manchester City academy, Iheanacho first rose to prominence with his performances at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he played a starring role in Nigeria’s title-winning campaign. His impressive displays earned him a move to Manchester City, where he made his senior debut in 2015. During his time with City, he was known for his sharp finishing and ability to make an impact off the bench. Despite limited playing time, he managed to score 21 goals in 64 appearances before moving to Leicester City in 2017.
At Leicester, Iheanacho had a mixed spell but enjoyed standout moments, particularly in the 2020-21 season, when he finished as the club’s top scorer and played a crucial role in their FA Cup triumph. His performances in the latter stages of the season were vital in securing Leicester’s first FA Cup title, and he also helped the club win the Community Shield in 2021. However, despite flashes of brilliance, he often struggled for consistency, and his role in the team fluctuated over the years.
After Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League in 2023, Iheanacho remained with the Foxes in the Championship, helping them secure an immediate return to the top flight. However, his future at the club became uncertain, leading to his move to Sevilla. His time in Spain has been far from ideal, as he has struggled to adapt to LaLiga and has not found the form that made him a key player at Leicester. With limited playing time and no goal contributions, a return to the Championship presents an opportunity for him to regain his confidence and rediscover his best form.
Middlesbrough’s interest in Iheanacho is a clear indication of their ambition to push for promotion this season. Under the management of former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, the club has shown steady progress and is within reach of a playoff position. Strengthening the squad with a proven goal scorer like Iheanacho could make a significant difference in their campaign.
For Iheanacho, this move represents a chance to revive his career and prove that he still has what it takes to perform at a high level. Despite his recent struggles, he remains a talented forward with a strong goal-scoring record, particularly in English football. His ability to operate as both a central striker and a second forward makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to improve their attacking options.
The Nigerian international has also been an important figure for his national team. Since making his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015, he has been a regular squad member and has contributed with crucial goals in international competitions. His experience at club and international levels will bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Middlesbrough’s attacking lineup.
As the Championship season progresses, Iheanacho’s impact at Middlesbrough will be closely monitored. The club’s fans will be eager to see how quickly he adapts to Carrick’s system and whether he can deliver the goals needed to push them into the playoff spots. His arrival could also provide a morale boost to the squad, adding competition in the attacking department and increasing their chances of securing Premier League football next season.
With the deal set to be finalized after his medicals, Middlesbrough supporters will be hoping that Iheanacho can rediscover the form that made him one of the most promising forwards in English football. If he can hit the ground running and provide the goals the club needs, his loan spell could turn out to be a crucial factor in their promotion bid.
