Iheanacho close to Sevilla switch

Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho is on the cusp of completing a move to Sevilla after agreeing personal terms with the La Liga club.

The 27-year-old striker is set to join the Rojiblancos on a free transfer after his contract with Leicester City expired last month.

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, the former UEFA Europa League champions have reached a verbal agreement with the former Manchester City striker.

The Super Eagles star is expected to undergo medicals at the club this week, with the move likely to be finalised in the coming days as final paperwork is completed.

Iheanacho’s impending arrival at Sevilla comes after a seven-year stint with Leicester City, where he scored 61 goals and provided 34 assists in 234 appearances.

The forward joined the Foxes in 2017 from Manchester City for nearly €28 million and lifted the 2020/21 FA Cup and the 2021 Community Shield.

The move to Sevilla presents a new challenge for the U17 World Cup winner, who will aim to make a significant impact in La Liga after spending his entire professional career in England.

He will join fellow Nigerian international Chidera Ejuke, who also signed for Sevilla as a free agent earlier this summer.

Sevilla’s interest in Iheanacho intensified following the departure of Youssef En-Nesyri to Fenerbahce, leaving the Spanish club in search of a new number nine.

The Nigerian’s arrival is seen as a significant coup by Sevilla as they bolster their attacking options ahead of the new La Liga season.

Last season, Iheanacho netted six goals and provided two assists in 25 appearances for Leicester, playing mostly fringe roles.

The move to Sevilla had been on the cards for some time, with several clubs, including Ipswich Town, West Ham United, and Aston Villa, also showing interest in the Nigerian international.

However, the lure of playing in La Liga and the prospect of European football with Sevilla appear to have swayed Iheanacho’s decision.

As Iheanacho prepares for his medical examination, Sevilla fans eagerly anticipate the official announcement of his signing.

The club will be hoping the Nigerian surpasses his Premier League best of 12 goals in a season, achieved in 2021, as they look to improve their attacking prowess in the upcoming campaign.

With Iheanacho set to compete for a starting spot alongside Isaac Romero and Dodi Lukebakio, Sevilla’s forward line is shaping up to be an intriguing prospect for the 2024/25 season.

The Nigerian’s experience and goal-scoring ability could prove crucial in the club’s challenge for domestic and continental honours.