By Olaitan Ibrahim
Former Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has urged Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho to leave Spanish La Liga side Sevilla FC over what he perceived as poor treatment of the player, as per a source.
Sevilla announced the signing of the 28-year-old last August with the former Leicester City player, whose contract with the Foxes expired at the end of last season, penning a two-year deal with the Andalusian club.
Last season, Iheanacho played majorly fringe roles in the Foxes’ return to the English Premier League, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 26 appearances.
His fortune has not changed either since joining Sevilla. The Nigerian has made just nine appearances and played a meagre 401 minutes from a possible 1,800 minutes in the Spanish League.
In the Copa del Rey, the Nigerian scored three goals in two games but was unable to prevent the team from being knocked out of the competition by Almeria in the round of 32.
Iheanacho was left out of Sevilla’s matchday squads for their last two league fixtures against Girona and Valencia, and he remained an unused substitute in the 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid.
The former Manchester City’s fortune doesn’t look any brighter with the Spanish side announcing the arrival of Antony from Manchester United earlier this week.
Speaking in a statement, the Rivers United coach urged Iheanacho to leave the club just months after joining.
“I think they have disrespected him in many ways,” Finidi disclosed.
“They expected a lot from him when he arrived, but it’s still early days, and he hasn’t been given enough time to settle in. In my opinion, he should leave the club if any good offers come along.
“He is 28 and still has a lot to offer, but he needs to be at a place where he is truly appreciated. Returning to England would be a great option, but he could also explore opportunities in new environments.”
While Iheanacho is yet to prove his worth in Spain, compatriot Chidera Ejuke—another summer arrival on a free transfer—has hit the ground running and has established himself as one of Garcia Pimienta’s key players.
Reports suggest several English clubs, including West Ham and Watford, are interested in signing Iheanacho, raising hope for a potential return to the Premier League for the Super Eagles striker.