Sevilla coach says Iheanacho free to leave
Sevilla head coach Garcia Pimienta has confirmed that Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho is free to leave the club amid interest from several English clubs, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.
Speaking ahead of Sevilla’s goalless draw against Getafe on Saturday, Pimienta revealed there were no restrictions on the Nigerian forward’s potential exit.
“Kelechi Iheanacho has a lot of offers and absolute freedom to decide where he wants to go. It will come together anyway, as soon as there is an offer that satisfies all parties,” Pimienta said.
The 28-year-old joined Sevilla on a free transfer last summer after his contract with Leicester City expired but has struggled to make an impact in Spain, failing to score in the league and managing just nine appearances totalling 401 minutes from a possible 1,800 minutes.
While Iheanacho has scored three goals in two Copa del Rey matches, he couldn’t prevent the team from being eliminated by Almeria in the round of 32.
His situation at the club has worsened recently, with the Nigerian left out of Sevilla’s matchday squads for their last two league fixtures against Girona and Valencia, while remaining an unused substitute in the 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid.
Former Super Eagles coach Finidi George recently criticised Sevilla’s treatment of Iheanacho, urging the striker to seek a move away from the club.
“I think they have disrespected him in many ways,” Finidi told Africa Foot.
“They expected a lot from him when he arrived, but it’s still early days, and he hasn’t been given enough time to settle in. In my opinion, he should leave the club if any good offers come along.”
The arrival of new signing Akor Adams and former Manchester United winger Antony has further complicated Iheanacho’s position at the club, with Pimienta focusing on integrating Adams into the team.
“I have to adapt to the virtues of the staff. If we can be more effective with two specific fronts, we will. Akor Adams has to understand the way he trains and play, he’s probably going to do it,” Pimienta added.
Premier League clubs West Ham and Watford are reportedly interested in signing Iheanacho, who previously scored six goals and provided three assists in 26 appearances during Leicester City’s promotion campaign last season.
The striker’s potential return to England could offer a fresh start, with Finidi suggesting it would be “a great option” for the former Manchester City forward to rejoin the Premier League.
Sevilla currently sit 11th in La Liga, four points behind the UEFA Europa Conference League spots, with Iheanacho’s compatriot Chidera Ejuke establishing himself as a key player since his own free transfer move last summer.
