'If they don't, he's gone' - Ex-SPFL club chief: Celtic will get rid of big-name star if they don't win title

Kelechi Iheanacho could earn a new contract at Celtic if he fires the Glasgow club to the Scottish Premiership title.

That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, as Iheanacho is set to depart the Hoops as a free agent at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old was signed as a free agent under Brendan Rodgers last September on a one-year contract amid the club’s struggles to sign a striker in the summer transfer window.

Injuries have plagued Iheanacho’s time at the club, but the Nigerian came off the bench to secure a vital three points in the Scottish Premiership title race at Dundee last time out.

Celtic will look to sign a new striker this summer, but Iheanacho’s form between now and the end the season could mean he remains at the club under their next manager.

Celtic make ‘clear’ decision on Kelechi Iheanacho’s future

Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes there is “pressure” on Iheanacho to perform at Celtic in the final six games of the season.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness states the striker must prove his worth in order to remain at the club.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It will all depend on if Celtic can come back and win the title. To me, that decision’s pretty clear. 

“They’re going to wait until they see how he finishes the season. If he scores some crucial goals in big games coming up in the last six games, and he helps win the title, they’ll reward him with another year.

“If they don’t, he’s gone. To me, that’s the way they’re going to look at it and the pressure’s on him now to do that. 

“These games are pretty big ones coming up. Celtic are still only three points off the pace. It’s still a three-way race. Rangers and Hearts are level almost. So look, it’s exciting, but Celtic are still in with the shout and Iheanacho has to show that he can be the crucial X factor.

“And it’s up to him now, and he’ll be rewarded with an extra year if he can get these goals in these next few games.”

Celtic duo fail audition to remain at Parkhead

Celtic may want to keep Iheanacho in Glasgow as Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu’s loan deals expire at the end of the season, and they’re unlikely to earn permanent moves.

Neither addition has yet to work out, with just three goals in all competitions between the pair, whilst fellow striker Johnny Kenny was sent on loan to Bolton in January and does not look to be the long-term solution up-front for Celtic either.

The search for a new number nine is underway, with Wyness dropping his verdict to Football Insider on speculation linking Tyrese Campbell with a move to Celtic.

Failure to qualify for the Champions League could limit Celtic’s options, whilst the club will need to appoint their next permanent manager before making any big signings.

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