Striker who Leeds United almost signed in January has nightmare debut as fans claim he ‘looked so off it’

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Kelechi Iheanacho was increasingly linked with Leeds United as the January transfer window grew older. In the end, he signed for Middlesbrough.

Kelechi Iheanacho endured a tough spell in Spain following his summer move from Leicester City to Sevilla. It put a number of English clubs on alert in January, including Leeds United.

At one point, it was even claimed that Leeds were set to sign Iheanacho from Sevilla. But he joined Middlesbrough on loan towards the end of the window, making his debut on Wednesday night.

The Nigerian striker started Boro’s 3-1 defeat at home to Sheffield United, playing 73 minutes for Michael Carrick’s side.

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Middlesbrough fans unimpressed with Kelechi Iheanacho

It proved to be a debut to forget for 28-year-old Iheanacho, who Middlesbrough fans thought “looked so off it”, adding that he’s simply “not match fit”.

Others stated that the “jury is still very much out” on Iheanacho for the time being, after he “added nothing” to the side, which has recently lost previous Leeds United target Emmanuel Latte Lath.

“Iheanacho shouldn’t be starting yet” said another Boro fan, as one posted: “Signing Iheanacho to hit the ground running who isn’t match fit is hilarious from us.”

At Sevilla, there were claims that Iheanacho was overweight. They were played down by manager Garcia Pimienta, but one Boro fan said the striker is “carrying too much weight”.

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What Kelechi Iheanacho said about joining Middlesbrough despite Leeds United links

How close Leeds came to signing Iheanacho remains to be seen. But given the strength of links in January, it could be fair to assume that Daniel Farke at least tried to sign Iheanacho.

Nonetheless, Iheanacho later explained his move to Middlesbrough, saying: “Obviously, [Middlesbrough have] a good coaching team. I played against them a few times and I think it’s a really good club. The manager is a really nice guy so I can’t wait to get started.”

Farke is now relying pretty much entirely on Joel Piroe to lead the line for Leeds, though he has goals coming from Manor Solomon and Dan James right now as well.

The Whites return to action at home to Sunderland on Monday night.