Celtic boss Martin O'Neill offers update on Boro flop's future ahead of friendly

Iheanacho had an ill-fated short loan spell at Boro in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign. He struggled to make an impact on Teesside after arriving in the aftermath of the club-record sale of Emmanuel Latte Lath.

But the striker, who was subsequently released early from his contract with Sevilla, got his career back on tracks last term after signing for Celtic as a free agent.

Though not always a regular starter, Iheanacho endeared himself to Bhoys fans with nine goals to help the club to a league and cup double.

The Nigerian international was out of contract this summer and, as yet, has not committed to a new deal at Parkhead. He is said to have interest from Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

But asked after a friendly defeat to Sporting CP over the weekend, Celtic boss O’Neill was hopeful that Iheanacho would accept the offer from Celtic, with work needed on their squad ahead of the new campaign.

“We’re trying to come to some sort of agreement with Iheanacho but we are definitely making moves,” O’Neill said.

“I am in constant touch with Michael (Nicholson). Shin Yamada has gone on loan and Michael is in the background working away. I don’t know about numbers but I am definitely optimistic we will get players in.”

FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Middlesbrough FC latest via the Gazette's dedicated Facebook page

It’s reported that Iheanacho has been offered a new two-year deal at Celtic, but has more lucrative offers further afield. Yet to commit his future, the striker will be unlikely to feature against Boro in Saturday’s friendly at Celtic Park, even if he does sign a new deal in the meantime.

While he’s been posting clips of his private pre-season training on his social media accounts, Celtic are well into their new-season preparations.

The 4-1 defeat to Sporting ahead of Boro’s visit was their second friendly of the summer. They also drew 1-1 with Shelbourne. Boro, in comparison, drew their only friendly of the summer so far against SC Farense, coming from behind to draw 2-2.

Middlesbrough are preparing for a big summer as they look to rebuild from the heartarche of missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Boro news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

Your information will be hidden, you'll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.