Iheanacho set to leave Sevilla after disappointing six-month stint

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho is set to depart Spanish La Liga club Sevilla in January following a disappointing six-month stint at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.

Iheanacho, who joined from Leicester City last summer, has struggled to make an impact at Sevilla, finding himself behind Isaac Romero in the striker pecking order, despite Romero’s own poor form of just one goal in 14 league appearances.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Sevilla’s sporting director, Victor Orta, is already planning to sign a new striker in the winter transfer window, with Iheanacho identified as the player to be moved on.

The situation took a turn for the worse when manager García Pimienta substituted Iheanacho at half-time in their recent match, opting to give reserve team forward Álvaro Pascual his debut instead.

The 27-year-old’s performance in that game was met with criticism from the home crowd, with his inability to press or influence play leading to what Spanish media described as “laughter from the stands” — a humiliating moment for any player at the Sánchez-Pizjuán.

Despite Pimienta defending Iheanacho in press conferences, sources close to the club suggest the manager has become frustrated with the striker’s lack of impact, viewing him as an unsuccessful replacement for former forward Youssef En-Nesyri.

Sevilla is now exploring various options for Iheanacho’s departure, including a potential loan move or even contract termination, though the latter could significantly affect the club’s budget.

The club has already started considering replacements, with FC Barcelona’s Ferran Jutglà emerging as Pimienta’s preferred option, alongside Brazilian forward Juninho Vieira.

Iheanacho’s struggles have also carried over to the international stage, where he was substituted at half-time during the Super Eagles’ 2-1 loss to Rwanda in his last appearance.