Celtic’s striker search could yet take a dramatic twist after Sevilla confirmed they have parted company with Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Spanish club announced on their official channels that the Nigerian forward’s contract, originally running until 2026, has been terminated by mutual consent.

Iheanacho, 28, had only joined Sevilla last summer following his departure from Leicester City, but failed to make a lasting impact in La Liga.

He made eleven appearances for the Spanish side, scoring three goals, before spending the second half of last season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he registered one goal and two assists in 15 outings.

The termination of his deal means the striker is now a free agent, freeing him to move outside of the transfer deadline system. That technicality could be a lifeline for Celtic, who have seen their deadline-day recruitment unravel with Adam Idah moving to Swansea, Kasper Dolberg bound for Ajax and David Datro Fofana choosing Charlton Athletic over Parkhead.

Brendan Rodgers has worked closely with Iheanacho before, managing him at Leicester City during a period where the forward produced some of his most consistent football in England. A reunion was nearly brokered in January when Celtic explored a loan arrangement, but no deal was reached at the time.

With the Nigerian now available without a transfer fee, a move to Celtic Park could be revived even beyond tonight’s 11pm deadline. Rodgers has made no secret of his desire to bring in another striker, and Iheanacho’s availability presents an unexpected opportunity after a bruising day in the market.

Sevilla, in their statement, thanked Iheanacho for his professionalism and wished him well for the future. Celtic will now weigh up whether that future could lie in Glasgow, as Rodgers seeks the forward power his squad is lacking.