Iheanacho offered to Mexican club after Sevilla snub

Kelechi Iheanacho may have a fresh opportunity to revive his career in Mexico after being deemed surplus to requirements at Sevilla, Ekwutos Sports Extra reports.

The Nigerian striker has been offered to Club Universidad Nacional, commonly known as Pumas, as the Liga MX side explore attacking reinforcements amid their ongoing search for a goalkeeper.

The 28-year-old forward has not featured prominently in Sevilla’s pre-season under new sporting director Antonio Cordón and head coach Matías Almeyda.

Mundo Deportivo confirmed that Iheanacho had only just rejoined the group due to what was officially described as an “indigestion”, but his exclusion is more indicative of his peripheral role in the club’s plans.

Sevilla are reportedly actively working to trim their squad this summer, and Iheanacho appears among the first set to be offloaded.

According to Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo, who specialises in South American football transfers, the Nigerian international has been formally offered to the Pumas hierarchy in recent days.

Merlo explained that while the Pumas board have not ruled out Iheanacho’s arrival, the club are currently prioritising the acquisition of a goalkeeper.

Their main target is Costa Rican veteran Keylor Navas, currently with Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina.

Negotiations for Navas have proven difficult due to financial disagreements, but recent developments suggest a softening of stance from the Argentine club.

“Pumas initially made an offer of one million dollars for Keylor Navas, but have now raised it to $1.3m,” Merlo reported.

“While the new offer still falls short of what Newell’s originally demanded, for the first time, I’m hearing from my sources that the board there is beginning to feel pressure. Navas himself has reiterated to the club that he wants to play for Pumas and has asked to be allowed to leave.”

Should Navas depart, it would open up room in the wage structure, allowing Pumas to shift their attention to attacking targets like Iheanacho.

Speaking specifically about the Nigerian forward, Merlo noted, “Kelechi Iheanacho has been offered to Pumas. I’ve been told his signing has not been ruled out, but any movement will come only after they resolve the goalkeeper situation and know what their budget looks like.”

Merlo added that the club are also exploring alternatives to Navas, such as Portuguese shot-stopper Rui Patrício, who may prove to be a cheaper option due to his availability as a free agent.

Merlo believed that Pumas’ technical staff remain hopeful that an agreement for Navas will be finalised by Monday. If the deal is completed, discussions over a new forward, potentially Iheanacho, will then accelerate.