Kelechi Iheanacho is a name well-known to football fans in England. And soon he could return, this time with Leeds United as they vie for promotion to the Premier League.
Leeds United kept their spot at the top of the Championship table following their routine 2-0 win over Norwich City in midweek.
It’s a win that maintains their unbeaten start to 2025 with Daniel Farke’s side having drawn two in the league, and won two.
But there remains concerns about transfers. Fans are wondering why Leeds United haven’t signed anyone yet in this January transfer window, with the need for one or two additions becoming crystal clear.
Leeds are lacking at centre-back and up front with injuries in both positions right now. Farke may be closing in on his first signing of 2025 though, with Kelechi Iheanacho a target.
The former Manchester City and Leicester City striker has flopped at Sevilla since joining as a free agent in the summer. Then on Friday, it was claimed that Leeds United are set to sign Iheanacho, with the move possibly being a free transfer.
Sevilla manager speaks out on Kelechi Iheanacho amid reported Leeds United move
Sevilla manager Garcia Pimienta hasn’t been shy in talking about Iheanacho and his situation at the club. Pimienta says Iheanacho is free to leave Sevilla having played just nine times in La Liga this season, failing to score. The 28-year-old has also missed the last three through an apparent injury.
Speaking to the club ahead of his side’s La Liga clash against Espanyol on Saturday night, Pimienta said that Iheanacho is set for a surprise return to the squad. He said: “We have not disrespected Kelechi at any time, clearly he has played less than others, I understand that, but disrespecting him, we have never done that.
“I am happy with him and he trains well. For me he is a player like any other in the squad and tomorrow he will be included.”
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Kelechi Iheanacho’s stance on Sevilla exit
There’s a lot of talk in Spain about Iheanacho right now. There’s been rumours that he’s overweight which Pimienta has played down, and generally just a lot of noise about matters behind the scenes at Sevilla.
But Pimienta keeps on insisting that there’s no bad blood between himself and Iheanacho. That said, Pimienta says Iheanacho wants to leave Sevilla and that the club has received offers for the Nigerian striker in this January transfer window.
Speaking recently, Pimienta said: “I don’t know if Kelechi will stay until the end of the season. There have been offers for him, he is established in England and I’m sure he wants to play more. I understand that he wants to leave. But if I consider that he should participate, he will participate.”
Sevilla against Espanyol kicks off at 7:30pm on Saturday night. Whether or not Iheanacho features will be interesting to see. If he plays well then it could make matters a bit more complicated.
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