Nigerian international and Manchester City youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho has penned a new two-year contract extension with Manchester City, the Premier League side announced on Thursday, August 18.
The 19-year-old Nigeria international, who netted 14 times in all competitions last season, is one of the game’s finest young forwards and will now stay with the Club until at least 2021.
Iheanacho also took his maiden steps in the Champions League, making four appearances as City registered their best ever finish in the competition, a semi-final berth.He made a first-team impact at City back in 2014 on the summer tour of America, having caught the eye for Nigeria at the Under 17 World Cup a year before.
New Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has revealed his first impressions of Kelechi Iheanacho and explained why the teenage forward has been handed a contract extension.
The Citizens confirmed on Thursday that the wonderkid had been awarded a new deal which keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until 2021.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Guardiola acknowledged just how highly he believes Iheanacho can go in the game. He scored some wonder goals last season. We rank his best of 2015/16!
Manager Pep Guardiola added: “Kelechi is a natural goal-scorer. I knew about him before, but I’ve been really impressed with him since I arrived.
“I like his personality, his attitude, his ability – we hope to help him reach the highest level and to realise his full potential.”
This season, much is expected of the teenage hitman under Pep Guardiola, with the forward tipped to progress and develop his game under the tutelage of the Spanish coach.
Iheanacho has already made an impact during a brief cameo appearance against Sunderland, when he pressured Black Cats debutant Paddy McNair into scoring an own goal to give the Citizens a 2-1 victory in Guardiola’s first match.
The Nigerian star overcame injury challenges in 2014/15 to serve more notice of his ability for City youth sides, scoring in the FA Youth Cup final against Chelsea and in the International Premier League Cup final win over Porto.
