Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho could be heading to North America as his European career faces yet another twist, following reports that the Nigerian international has been offered to top Mexican club Pumas UNAM.
The potential transfer comes after Spanish side Sevilla FC excluded Iheanacho from their immediate plans under new sporting director Antonio Cordón and head coach Matías Almeyda, raising concerns about the striker’s future at the club.
The 28-year-old has featured only sparingly in pre-season, with his recent absence officially blamed on an “indigestion.” However, multiple reports suggest that the issue runs deeper, with the Nigerian being listed among those likely to be offloaded in Sevilla’s ongoing summer clear-out.
According to Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo, who is widely regarded for his accurate reporting on South American football, Iheanacho’s name has already been submitted to the management of Club Universidad Nacional, known commonly as Pumas, as part of the club’s hunt for attacking reinforcements.
“Kelechi Iheanacho has been offered to Pumas,” Merlo confirmed via his platform. “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.”
Currently, Pumas’ top priority is securing a new goalkeeper, with Costa Rican veteran Keylor Navas emerging as their primary target. Navas, who now plays for Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, has reportedly expressed a desire to move to Mexico.
“Pumas initially made an offer of one million dollars for Keylor Navas, but have now raised it to $1.3 million,” Merlo revealed. “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.”
If negotiations with Newell’s are successful and Navas is allowed to depart, the shift in budget and squad structure could make room for the acquisition of a new striker—potentially Iheanacho.
Merlo added that Portuguese shot-stopper Rui Patrício, currently a free agent, is also being considered by the Mexican club as a more affordable backup option if the Navas deal collapses.
While no formal offer has been tabled for Iheanacho yet, insiders believe that discussions may escalate once the goalkeeper issue is settled.
Despite showing promise in earlier stages of his career at Manchester City and Leicester City, Iheanacho has struggled with consistency and injury setbacks. His recent move to Sevilla was seen as a potential career reset, but limited appearances and fitness issues have hampered his momentum.
