Sevilla loans Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho to Middlesbrough

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Nigerian international forward Kelechi Iheanacho has joined English Championship side Middlesbrough on loan from Spanish club Sevilla for the remainder of the 2024/2025 season in a major winter transfer window transaction. As Middlesbrough pursues elevation to the Premier League, the 28-year-old forward hopes to strengthen their offensive choices.

After a strong spell at Leicester City, Iheanacho transferred to Sevilla in the summer of 2024 only to find few chances in La Liga; he has appeared in nine league games but not scored. Still, he showed his ability to score goals in the Copa del Rey with three goals in two games. Seeing the need for consistent first-team play, Iheanacho and Sevilla decided a loan transfer would benefit both of them.

Seventh in the Championship table at present, Middlesbrough is anxious to improve their squad to guarantee a playoff spot and vie for a promotion. Iheanacho’s inclusion adds a proven track record of English football as well as invaluable experience. Before his time in Spain, Iheanacho gained considerable Premier League experience with Manchester City and Leicester City, helping Leicester to win the 2020/2021 FA Cup.

Should the club qualify for the playoffs, the loan contract states Middlesbrough must pay 80 percent of Iheanacho wages while at the Riverside Stadium, with the responsibility rising to 100 percent. Moreover, Sevilla will get an incentive should Middlesbrough be elevated to the first division.

Iheanacho showed his excitement about the transfer, remarking, “I’m thrilled to get back to English football and help Middlesbrough’s promotion aspirations.” The Championship is a fierce league, so I’m prepared to give my all for the supporters and the team.”

Management at Middlesbrough also expressed their hope for the deal. “Kelechi is a high-caliber player with a great knowledge of English soccer. As we strive for promotion, his attacking versatility and goal-scoring will be priceless,” the team’s head coach remarked.

Fans and experts alike have praised Iheanacho’s return to England, believing it will restart his career and improve his national team, the Super Eagles, contributions.

As the season goes on, everyone will be looking at Iheanacho to observe how his knowledge and abilities will affect Middlesbrough’s Premier League promotion quest.