Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has revealed that the Scottish champions believed they had reached an agreement with Kelechi Iheanacho before the Nigerian striker completed a surprise move to Turkish side Bursaspor.

Iheanacho sealed a free transfer to the Turkish second-tier club last week, ending months of speculation over his future despite Celtic’s efforts to keep him following an impressive loan spell last season.

Despite being slowed down by injuries, the Super Eagles forward scored nine goals and played a key role in Celtic’s domestic double, prompting the club to explore the possibility of extending his stay. However, negotiations eventually broke down, paving the way for Bursaspor to secure the former Leicester City striker on a three-year contract.

Speaking after Celtic’s pre-season draw against Middlesbrough, O’Neill admitted he was taken aback by the turn of events, insisting he had been under the impression that Iheanacho had already agreed to remain with the club.

“He’s gone, I thought we had a deal with him at the time but that wasn’t the case and so he’s gone to pastures new,” the 74-year-old said in quotes revealed by the Daily Record.

The Northern Irish manager explained that Celtic had hoped to retain Iheanacho on terms similar to his previous contract after allowing the one-year extension option in his deal to expire.

Celtic’s offer was reportedly worth around £12,000 per week, with bonuses capable of taking the package to £17,000. However, talks collapsed after Iheanacho’s representatives sought a significantly improved deal, believed to be close to £50,000 per week.

O’Neill also admitted he would have preferred to have the Nigerian striker available for the club’s pre-season preparations.

“He started one game in my two spells against Dundee United but it would have been nice to have him for pre-season. He’s chosen to go elsewhere.

“I don’t know what date. I just tried to answer it the best possible way. I thought we had a deal with him but it didn’t materialise.

“If he’s gone to another club that’s his decision.”

Iheanacho eventually opted for Bursaspor after the Turkish club moved swiftly to conclude negotiations within 24 hours, presenting the striker with a long-term sporting project focused on securing an immediate return to the Turkish Super Lig.

Bursaspor are one of Turkey’s most historic clubs, having won the Turkish Super Lig title in 2010, but have endured a difficult period in recent years that saw them relegated to the second tier.