Kelechi Iheanacho’s pre-season absence from Sevilla’s main training sessions has fuelled speculation over his potential departure from the La Liga side this summer.
The Nigerian forward, who returned to Sevilla after a loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, was notably missing during the club’s third training session under new manager Matías Almeyda
According to reports all available first-team and academy players participated in the session, except the international players who are yet to resume following the FIFA window in early June.
However, Iheanacho’s case appears more complicated. The report says Kelechi Iheanacho who was on Nigeria’s last international list has been told to stay away
Iheanacho’s absence, despite being present in the gym and in initial meetings, has stirred talk of a potential exit.
The report adds that the striker, who ended the season on loan at English side Middlesbrough, is one of the candidates to leave Sevilla in this summer transfer window.
In a subsequent update from Estadio Deportivo, it was revealed that Iheanacho’s absence from outdoor training was not disciplinary or transfer-related, but rather health-induced.
Nonetheless, the outlet remarked that despite the medical explanation, there is a growing belief that Iheanacho’s long-term future may still lie away from the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
With Sevilla’s first friendly match scheduled against Birmingham on Saturday at the Algarve Stadium, the timing of Iheanacho’s return could be key for Almeyda, who has yet to assess the striker in open training.
The Nigerian’s availability, or continued absence, may offer more clues about whether he will feature in the club’s plans for the 2024/25 campaign or is headed for the exit door.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
