Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho has officially signed with the club, marking a significant addition to their squad for the 2024/25 season.
Iheanacho joins the Spanish side on a two-year contract, with an option for a third year, after leaving Leicester City as a free agent, as per the club’s official website.
Before sealing the deal with Sevilla FC, Iheanacho was on the radar of several European clubs, including Aston Villa, Everton, PAOK, and Fenerbahce. Despite the interest from these teams, the Nigerian forward chose to join the Spanish club as a free agent, attracted by the opportunity to make an impact in La Liga.
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Born in Imo, Nigeria, on October 3, 1996, the 27-year-old striker stands at 185 centimeters tall. Iheanacho began his professional career in Nigeria in 2014 before moving to Europe the following year with Manchester City. Initially playing in City’s youth teams, he quickly made his way to the first team, where he featured in 64 matches, scoring 21 goals and providing 7 assists over two seasons.
In 2017, Iheanacho transferred to Leicester City, a club he had briefly been associated with during his early days in Europe. During his time with the Foxes, the Nigerian international played 232 matches across all competitions, netting 61 goals and assisting 34 times. His tenure with Leicester extended until the end of the 2023/24 season.
Iheanacho’s European competition experience is extensive, having played 19 matches in continental tournaments, including 7 in the UEFA Champions League, 11 in the UEFA Europa League, and 1 in the UEFA Conference League. On the international stage, Iheanacho has earned 55 caps for Nigeria’s senior team, scoring 19 goals. One of his career highlights was winning the U-17 World Cup in 2017.
Sevilla FC’s acquisition of Iheanacho follows the signings of Ejuke, Peque, Saúl, and Sambi, making him the fifth addition to the squad this season. The Nigerian forward’s arrival in Nervión is anticipated to bolster Sevilla’s attacking options as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in La Liga and European competitions.
