Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho is close to leaving Sevilla for Turkish Super Lig club Samsunspor, with the transfer expected to set a new record for the Europa League debutants.
According to Greek journalist George Tsarouchas, the 28-year-old has agreed personal terms on a deal worth up to €1.2 million per year. The final obstacle is Sevilla’s asking price of around €3.5 million — a figure that would surpass Samsunspor’s current record signing, Carlo Holse, who joined from Rosenborg for €2.5 million in the 2023–24 season.
Iheanacho spent the second half of last season on loan at Middlesbrough, scoring once and providing two assists in 15 appearances. The Championship side opted not to make the move permanent.
Besiktas were also linked with the Super Eagles forward, but Samsunspor are now favourites to secure his signature as they look to strengthen their squad after finishing third in the Super Lig last season. The club will play in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds for the first time in their history and could face Panathinaikos or Shakhtar Donetsk in the play-off round.
Sevilla’s decision to sell Iheanacho is influenced by severe financial restrictions, with La Liga’s financial control rules cutting their wage budget to just €684,000 for all registered players and coaching staff. The club have yet to register Iheanacho or fellow Nigerian striker Jerome Akor for the new season, though winger Chidera Ejuke is among those cleared to play in Sunday’s opener against Athletic Bilbao.