Iheanacho training absence stirs Sevilla exit talk News

Navigation: Home / News / Euro Soccer Update / Iheanacho training absence stirs Sevilla exit talk

Iheanacho training absence stirs Sevilla exit talk

By Punch Nigeria on July 10, 2025

Kelechi Iheanacho’s pre-season absence from Sevilla’s main training sessions has fuelled speculation over his potential departure from the La Liga side this summer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigerian forward, who returned to Sevilla after a loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, was notably missing during the club’s third training session under new manager Matías Almeyda on Monday evening.

According to Diario de Sevilla, all available first-team and academy players participated in the session, “except for the internationals who are yet to report back following the FIFA window in early June.”

Among those absent were Orjan Nyland, Loïc Badé, Nemanja Gudelj, Dodi Lukebakio, Djibril Sow, Lucien Agoumé and Juanlu Sánchez.

However, Iheanacho’s case appears more complicated. The report noted, “The big doubt concerns Kelechi Iheanacho. The Nigerian, who was on Nigeria’s last international list, has not yet reappeared on the Carretera de Utrera pitch.”

“Club sources confirm that he is already in Seville and can even be seen in the video of Almeyda’s gym talk shared by the club on its social networks.”

Iheanacho’s absence, despite being present in the gym and in initial meetings, has stirred talk of a potential exit.

The report adds that “the striker, who ended the season on loan at English side Middlesbrough, is one of the candidates to leave Sevilla in this summer transfer window.”

In a subsequent update from Estadio Deportivo, it was revealed that Iheanacho’s absence from outdoor training was not disciplinary or transfer-related, but rather health-induced.

“It should be noted that the Nigerian Kelechi Iheanacho was absent due to a gastrointestinal condition, although he did participate in earlier sessions,” the report stated.

Nonetheless, the outlet remarked that despite the medical explanation, there is a growing belief that Iheanacho’s long-term future may still lie away from the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

Further clarity was offered by Spanish journalist Gonzalo Tortosa, who reported that Iheanacho had in fact shortened his holidays to join the 2025 pre-season as soon as possible.

He explained that despite his commitment, the Nigerian was unable to train with the rest of the squad in the opening sessions due to indigestion that delayed his integration into the group.”

Crucially, the club’s medical team has ruled out any major concerns, with Tortosa noting that “there are no serious physical issues, as muscle problems or significant injuries have been dismissed.” The club expects him to “rejoin full training in the coming days once he recovers from the mild digestive upset.”

With Sevilla’s first friendly match scheduled against Birmingham this Saturday at the Algarve Stadium, the timing of Iheanacho’s return could be key for Almeyda, who has yet to assess the striker in open training.

The Nigerian’s availability, or continued absence, may offer more clues about whether he features in the club’s plans for the 2024/25 campaign or is headed for the exit door.

Source Punch Ng

Posted July 10, 2025