Kelechi Iheanacho: Super Eagles Star on Jose Mourinho’s Radar at AS Roma
AS Roma has set their sights on Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of a summer move, according to reports from Forza Roma, a Roma-focused news platform.
The Super Eagles forward was the standout player of the 2022/23 season for Leicester City, who ended up getting relegated after a poor outing. The Foxes rewarded the striker with their Player of the Year award for his contributions which were largely from the bench.
Following their drop into the second division, fans have been gearing up for his exit. Reports now suggest that Roma could be his next destination.
Roma targeting Iheanacho and Daka as Tammy Abraham’s backup
Forza Roma reports that Kelechi Iheanacho is being targeted by Roma to provide backup for the team, who have lost England striker and former Super Eagles prospect Tammy Abraham to a long-term injury.
The former Chelsea forward picked up an ACL injury towards the end of last season and is projected to fully recover from the ensuing surgery around November 2023. The Giallorossi are in the market for a striker who would step up in Abraham’s absence and also provide competition for England forward.
Iheanacho has emerged as an option and he could be linking up with Jose Mourinho, who has a good history with African players. Forza Roma cites the Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera as its source, and that the general manager of the club, Tiago Pinto, is driving the operation.
Kelechi Iheanacho, the talented Nigerian footballer, has been making waves in the football world with his impressive performances and goal-scoring prowess. His recent success at Leicester City has caught the attention of renowned manager Jose Mourinho, who has now set his sights on the Super Eagles star at his new club AS Roma. In this blog post, we’ll delve into Iheanacho’s rise to prominence, his achievements at Leicester City, and the potential impact he could have under Mourinho’s guidance at AS Roma.
The Rise of Kelechi Iheanacho:
Born on October 3, 1996, in Imo State, Nigeria, Kelechi Iheanacho showed immense talent from an early age. He began his professional career at the Nigerian club Taye Academy before catching the eye of top European clubs. In 2014, he joined Manchester City, where he honed his skills and learned from some of the best in the game.
Success at Leicester City:
Iheanacho’s career truly took off when he made the move to Leicester City in 2017. Initially struggling to find his footing, he gradually gained confidence and became an integral part of the team. In the 2020-2021 season, he had a breakthrough year, scoring crucial goals and delivering outstanding performances.
Iheanacho’s highlight of the season came in the FA Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Leicester City’s triumphant campaign. He scored crucial goals in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately the final, securing the prestigious trophy for the Foxes. His exceptional form earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award for April 2021.
Iheanacho’s Impact under Mourinho at AS Roma:
With Jose Mourinho taking the reins at AS Roma, the Italian club is poised to undergo a significant transformation. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to maximize the potential of his players, Mourinho has reportedly set his sights on bringing Kelechi Iheanacho to the Italian capital.
Mourinho has a history of getting the best out of his attacking players, as seen with his previous successes with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, and Samuel Eto’o. Iheanacho’s natural goal-scoring ability and versatility as a forward make him an ideal candidate to thrive under Mourinho’s guidance.
At AS Roma, Iheanacho would join a talented squad that already boasts notable players such as Edin Dzeko and Lorenzo Pellegrini. His presence could add another dimension to Roma’s attacking prowess, providing a lethal strike force capable of challenging the top teams in Serie A.
Conclusion:
Kelechi Iheanacho’s remarkable journey from a promising young talent in Nigeria to a sought-after striker in the Premier League has been nothing short of inspiring. With his stellar performances at Leicester City and the prospect of working under the renowned Jose Mourinho at AS Roma, the future looks incredibly bright for the Super Eagles star.
If the transfer to AS Roma materializes, Iheanacho will have the opportunity to further develop his skills, compete at the highest level in Italian football, and potentially make a significant impact in domestic and European competitions. Football enthusiasts and Super Eagles fans will be eagerly anticipating Iheanacho’s next chapter and the heights he can reach in his blossoming career.
