Kelechi Iheanacho has reportedly turned down a fresh contract offer and is set to depart on a free transfer when his current deal expires on June 30th. The striker’s playing time has dwindled in the latter part of the season, featuring in 22 league matches with just 10 starts and scoring 5 goals.

Last summer saw intense speculation about Iheanacho leaving his current club. While a move to Turkey with Besiktas seemed imminent at one point, it never materialized. Interest from Galatasaray and Fenerbahce also emerged, but the terms of his Leicester contract likely proved hard to match.

Aston Villa is reportedly interested in acquiring Iheanacho’s services, offering him a chance to play Champions League football next season with a club boasting significant ambitions. The move could see him operate as a second striker and provide backup for Ollie Watkins.

Having made the switch from Manchester City to Leicester in 2017 for £25 million, Iheanacho’s commitment and professionalism at the club have earned him high praise. While facing strong competition from the likes of Jamie Vardy, Shinji Okazaki, Patson Daka, and Islam Slimani, he has often found himself on the periphery.

A potential transfer to Aston Villa may present Iheanacho with fresh challenges, but it is believed that manager Unai Emery will afford him ample opportunities, including deploying him in various roles beyond his traditional striker position, such as on the flanks where he has excelled for Nigeria.

Iheanacho’s record of 61 goals in 231 official games for Leicester underscores his significant contributions. His reluctance to commit to a new contract came as no surprise, and as he looks ahead to new horizons, we extend our best wishes for his future endeavors.