By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
Sevilla FC have officially announced the termination of Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract, cutting short what was supposed to be a promising chapter for the Nigerian international in Spanish football. The move comes after months of frustration on both sides, as the player struggled to deliver consistent performances and failed to adapt to the tactical expectations of the club.
While the decision shocked some of his fans, football analysts argue that the outcome is consistent with a pattern that has plagued Iheanacho’s career for years—flashes of brilliance overshadowed by long spells of inconsistency.
Why Sevilla Pulled the Plug
According to reports from inside the club, Sevilla’s board and technical staff had grown dissatisfied with Iheanacho’s form. Despite arriving with a reputation as an experienced striker with Premier League pedigree, the Nigerian failed to deliver the goals and impact expected of him.
Several reasons were cited for the decision:
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Inconsistent Performances – Iheanacho was unable to maintain a steady run of form. While he occasionally impressed in training, this rarely translated into match-winning contributions.
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Fitness and Work Rate Concerns – Sevilla’s medical and technical staff reportedly flagged concerns about his fitness levels and his inability to cope with the physical demands of La Liga. In a league known for its pace and pressing game, Iheanacho often looked off the mark.
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Tactical Misfit – Managerial sources suggested Iheanacho struggled to adapt to the tactical structure of the squad. Modern forwards are expected to press aggressively, link play, and contribute off the ball—areas in which Iheanacho fell short.
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Lack of Mental Edge – Club insiders also hinted at questions over Iheanacho’s mentality. Unlike teammates who fought for starting places, Iheanacho’s body language sometimes gave the impression of a player lacking confidence or drive.
Faced with these challenges, Sevilla concluded that an early termination of his contract was the best option, allowing both parties to move on.
A Career of Bright Starts and Disappointing Endings
To understand Sevilla’s decision, one must look at the recurring themes in Iheanacho’s career.
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Manchester City (2014–2017):
Iheanacho burst onto the scene as one of the most exciting young strikers in England. He scored 21 goals in just 64 appearances, boasting one of the best goal-per-minute ratios at the time. However, with Pep Guardiola’s arrival and the emergence of Gabriel Jesus, Iheanacho found himself surplus to requirements. -
Leicester City (2017–2023):
At Leicester, Iheanacho enjoyed moments of brilliance, most notably in the 2020/21 season when he scored 19 goals and helped the Foxes win the FA Cup. But his form dipped again. Struggling to establish himself as a regular starter, he often found himself on the bench, overshadowed by Jamie Vardy and other forwards. -
Sevilla (2023–2024):
The move to Spain was meant to be a career revival. Instead, it turned into another false dawn. With just a handful of appearances and no lasting impact, the club decided to cut ties before the situation worsened.
This cycle of initial promise followed by gradual decline has raised serious questions about Iheanacho’s ability to thrive at elite clubs.
Why Does Iheanacho Keep Getting Sacked?
Observers of Iheanacho’s career point to several recurring issues that explain why he keeps losing the trust of clubs:
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Inconsistency: His biggest weakness. Iheanacho can score a hat-trick one weekend and then go missing in action for the next five games. Clubs at the top level need reliability, not flashes of brilliance.
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Adaptability Issues: Modern football demands strikers who can press, defend from the front, and link play. Iheanacho has often been criticized for being a “penalty-box striker,” limited in his contribution outside scoring goals.
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Mental Toughness: Critics argue that Iheanacho struggles with confidence and self-belief. When things don’t go well, he tends to fade rather than fight his way back.
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Fitness and Injuries: While not as injury-prone as some players, Iheanacho has faced fitness concerns that limit his sharpness and ability to keep up with intense league schedules.
These issues, repeated across clubs, have created a reputation that makes teams cautious about investing in him long-term.
What Next for Iheanacho?
At 28 years old, Kelechi Iheanacho still has time to revive his career, but options at the highest level of European football may be closing fast. With Sevilla’s decision, it is unlikely that another top-five league club will take a major gamble on him.
Potential next steps include:
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A Move to Mid-Tier European Clubs: Teams in Turkey, Belgium, or the Netherlands could offer him a chance to rebuild confidence away from the intense spotlight.
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Switch to the Middle East or MLS: With his name recognition and experience, Iheanacho could earn a lucrative move to leagues in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or the United States, where expectations are less demanding but financial rewards are higher.
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Reinvention in Africa: Although less likely, returning to the African continent in the twilight of his career could give him a chance to inspire younger talents while still competing.
To remain relevant, however, Iheanacho must confront the flaws that have derailed his career: improving consistency, sharpening his fitness, and developing resilience under pressure.
Finally
Kelechi Iheanacho’s exit from Sevilla is more than just a contract termination—it is a reflection of a career that has repeatedly promised much but delivered little in the long run. From Manchester City to Leicester and now Sevilla, the same story has unfolded: early excitement followed by stagnation and eventual dismissal.
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