Sevilla’s Sporting Director Victor Orta has admitted that signing Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho was a misstep. After limited success in La Liga, Iheanacho is now playing for Middlesbrough, where he’s beginning to regain form. His future at Sevilla appears over, prompting speculation about his next career move.
Sevilla’s Sporting Director, Victor Orta, has openly expressed regret over signing Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho, calling the decision a miscalculation. Speaking during the unveiling of new head coach Joaquin Caparros, Orta reflected on the club’s recent transfer choices and admitted that Iheanacho’s acquisition has fallen short of expectations.
The 27-year-old forward joined Sevilla last summer following an underwhelming stint at Leicester City, where he struggled for game time despite the club’s success in the Championship. Hopes were high that a move to La Liga would revive his form, but his performance remained inconsistent.
Iheanacho managed just one league goal in 11 appearances for Sevilla, primarily coming off the bench. Though he found some success in the Copa del Rey against lower-tier opposition, he failed to make a significant impact in Spain’s top flight.
Orta described Iheanacho and Akor Adams as intended backup options, not marquee signings. “It’s clear that betting on Kelechi this season has been a mistake,” Orta admitted, adding that the club is reviewing what went wrong in the decision-making process.
Now on loan at Middlesbrough, Iheanacho has shown signs of resurgence, netting his first goal for the Championship side and delivering key assists. However, with his future at Sevilla effectively ruled out, the Nigerian striker must impress to secure a new opportunity or retain a spot at his current club.
