AFCON 2025
Former Celtic and Aston Villa star Stiliyan Petrov has advised newly-crowned Scottish champions Celtic to let go of Kelechi Iheanacho this summer.
Former Celtic and Aston Villa star Stiliyan Petrov has advised newly-crowned Scottish champions Celtic to let go of Kelechi Iheanacho this summer.
Stiliyan Petrov believes Celtic must recruit a more mobile and agile striker who can stay fit and compete all through the season in the summer.
The former Aston Villa and Celtic midfielder acknowledged that Iheanacho has done well en route to Celtic’s 56th league triumph.
However, Petrov insists that the club must look elsewhere in the summer ahead of the new football season.
Petrov made his thoughts known in a recent Scottish Football Social Club Podcast.
“Unfortunately, you need a striker who can compete all season. Who is ready, Who is mobile.”
“He’s done so well but for me, what Celtic stands for, they have to go for something different, someone more powerful, with more speed and mobility,” Petrov added.
“Unfortunately, in big clubs, that’s the way it is. You have to go for what you think is right for the club and for me, I don’t think it’s natural. It isn’t the answer for the future.”
Petrov’s comments stem from Kelechi Iheanacho’s struggles with injuries this season and his “super-sub” role.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old forward played a crucial role in helping Celtic win the championship, scoring two vital goals in the playoff round, including a late winner against Motherwell.
Kelechi Iheanacho will get the chance to win a double with Celtic this weekend as they take on Dunfermline Athletic in the final of the Scottish FA Cup.
Iheanacho’s decent performance but struggles with injuries place a doubt on his contract renewal before the start of the new season.
