Kelechi Iheanacho Wanted in Germany

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho is wanted by Hoffenheim following lack of game time according to the latest transfer rumour. Kelechi Iheanacho has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City.

The striker is behind both Sergio Aguero and new boy Gabriel Jesus as City will look to further bolster their attack with high profile signings this summer. Pep Guardiola is reluctant to let the prodigy leave permanently but may consider a loan for the former Fifa U-17 MVP.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s future at Manchester City is uncertain as things stand  and that is before any further forwards are signed in the summer, with the likes of Alexis Sánchez and Kylian Mbappé reportedly of interest to Pep Guardiola. Even since Gabriel Jesus was ruled out with a long-term injury in February, Kelechi has rarely featured, managing just 121 minutes of action in all competitions in 2017. Guardiola has favoured other options, including, of course, Sergio Agüero, but even as the only other natural striker available, the 20-year-old is struggling to get on the pitch with the feeling being that he isn’t a vintage Pep style striker.

According to Own Goal Nigeria, Iheanacho is courting interest from many clubs around Europe and is expected to leave either on loan or permanently with a buy-back option.

Despite contacts from English and Spanish clubs, it is Bundesliga side Hoffenheim who are in pole position to sign the Nigerian international, who was apparently of interest to another German side, Bayer Leverkusen, in January.
Julian Nagelsmann is said to be a big fan of Iheanacho and with Andrej Kramarić possibly on his way to China in the summer, the progressive German tactician sees Kelechi as an ideal replacement for the Croatian who is a Second Striker and a position that is well suited for Kelechi. It is quite likely that Hoffenheim would have to break their transfer record to buy Iheanacho, but Champions League qualification or the sale of Kramarić for a big fee might enable that. Otherwise, if he is to join the German club, a loan deal may be the preferred option.