Kelechi Iheanacho’s future at Celtic has become uncertain following the unexpected resignation of manager Brendan Rodgers, the man who brought him to the Scottish club earlier this season.
Rodgers stepped down after Celtic’s 3–1 loss to Hearts on Sunday, drawing the curtain on his second spell in charge. The defeat left the reigning champions trailing eight points behind Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Celtic confirmed the manager’s exit and expressed gratitude for his contribution. The club also announced that former manager Martin O’Neill and ex-player Shaun Maloney will temporarily take charge while a permanent replacement is sought.
Reports from within the club suggest that Rodgers’ departure followed growing tension in the dressing room and criticism from major shareholder Dermot Desmond, who allegedly accused the Northern Irish coach of fostering a “toxic atmosphere.”
Iheanacho joined Celtic from Sevilla FC on September 2, 2025, on a one-year deal with an option for an additional season. The move reunited him with Rodgers, his former boss at Leicester City. The Nigerian forward quickly made an impression, netting a stoppage-time penalty on his debut to secure a 2–1 victory over Kilmarnock. Since then, he has scored twice in league action and added another goal in the Europa League before suffering a hamstring injury that sidelined him.
With O’Neill and Maloney now handling first-team duties, Celtic will face Falkirk next as the club begins a new chapter—one that could determine whether Iheanacho remains part of their long-term plans.
