Nigeria’s Forward Kelechi Iheanacho Joins Sevilla From Leicester City

Kelechi Iheanacho has joined La Liga giants Sevilla on a two-year deal from Leicester City with an option of a further year.

After spending seven years at the King Stadium, the Nigeria international will extend his professional career in Spain following the expiration of his contract.

“Kelechi Iheanacho has become our fifth signing of the summer. He signs on a two-year deal and arrives as a free agent, having spent last season at Leicester City,” Sevilla confirmed on their website.

“The Nigerian striker, who began his career in 2014 in his homeland, made the move to Europe the following season with Manchester City, initially playing in the English club’s youth teams.

“He went on to make 64 appearances for the City first team, scoring 21 goals and providing seven assists over the next two seasons.”

With this transfer, Iheanacho joins Chidera Ejuke, his fellow Nigerian, and Tanguy Nianzou, a France youth international of Ivorian descent, making him the third African in Garcia Pimienta’s squad

At the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, the Super Eagle would be hoping to revive his stuttering career. Last season, he scored five goals in 23 league appearances as the Foxes secured their return to the English top flight.

Iheanacho came into the limelight at the 2013 U17 World Cup, where he helped Nigeria to win the trophy. His impressive performances ensured he won the tournament’s Golden Ball and Silver Shoe awards.

Despite receiving offers from several top European clubs, the striker joined Manchester City from Taye Academy for an undisclosed fee.

On January 30th, 2016, the Nigerian achieved his first career hat-trick against Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup. In the match, he also assisted Raheem Sterling for the club’s fourth goal.

On the international scene, he made his senior debut as a substitute in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Eswatini. So far, he has made 55 appearances and scored 19 goals for the three-time African kings.

Before leaving the Etihad Stadium, where he struggled to secure a regular spot in Pep Guardiola’s talented lineup, Iheanacho scored 12 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions.