“He will have a great impact," Man United legend backs Iheanacho after loan move

• Middlesbrough has signed Kelechi Iheanacho on loan from Sevilla until the end of the season
• The Nigerian forward has played close to 300 matches in English football since making his debut for Manchester City
• His loan move follows a frustrating stint at Sevilla, where he struggled for regular game time

English Championship side Middlesbrough made an important move on transfer deadline day by securing the services of Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho on loan for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. 

The experienced forward, who boasts a wealth of English football experience, joined from La Liga side Sevilla in search of more consistent playing time.

The 27-year-old forward began his senior career at Manchester City during the 2015–16 season, where he quickly made a name for himself, winning the Football League Cup. His rise continued when he made a then-record £25 million move to Leicester City in 2017, becoming the most expensive Nigerian player at the time. 

During his time at Leicester, Iheanacho played a pivotal role in the club’s 2020-21 FA Cup triumph, finishing as the competition's joint-top scorer with four goals and scoring the decisive penalty in the 2021 Community Shield victory.

Despite his impressive pedigree, Iheanacho struggled to secure a regular starting spot at Sevilla, a side he only joined last summer which prompted his temporary switch to Middlesbrough. 

His arrival at the Riverside Stadium, however, was not completed in time for him to feature in Boro’s latest Championship match against Sunderland, a game they lost 3-2 due to a late own goal from Ryan Giles.

With his move finalised, speculation has intensified around the future of Boro’s current striker, Emmanuel Latte Lath. Reports suggest that the Ivorian forward is edging closer to a record-breaking transfer to Major League Soccer side Atlanta United.

Following the Sunderland defeat, Middlesbrough manager and former Manchester United legend Michael Carrick expressed his excitement over Iheanacho’s arrival,

"Obviously delighted Kelechi is joining us. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to be in time for tonight, but he'll be an important player for us, have a big impact."

Carrick further mentioned that Middlesbrough already possessed strong attacking options, but Iheanacho’s addition would provide extra quality to the squad. The Nigerian striker is now expected to make his debut on Wednesday, February 12, when Middlesbrough faces Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

With nearly 300 English football appearances under his belt, Iheanacho’s return to the Championship could provide the boost Middlesbrough needs in their push for promotion. 

Iheanacho explains the meaning behind his ‘senior man’ nickname

Previously, TheRadar reported that after securing a two-year contract with Sevilla FC with an option of a third year, Kelechi Iheanacho disclosed the story behind his nickname in his first official interview with the club.

Sevilla FC had earlier announced the signing of the Nigerian striker from Leceister City FC. The former Leicester City forward, whose contract expired at the end of last season, put pen to paper on a deal with the Andalusian club.