France Olympic star spoils Sevilla's plan to register Kelechi Iheanacho

Sevilla's latest Super Eagles catch - Kelechi Iheanacho.

France Olympic star spoils Sevilla's plan to register Kelechi Iheanacho

Faruq Ibrahim 21:00 - 20.08.2024

A decision by French defender Loic Bade could prevent Kelechi Iheanacho from making his Sevilla debut this weekend.

Kelechi Iheanacho joined Sevilla as a free agent this summer in a well-celebrated move, but he has yet to make his official debut as he was omitted from the matchday squad for Sevilla's opening game of the season against Las Palmas.  

The Nigerian's availability for next weekend’s clash at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan against Villarreal is uncertain as well, as he has yet to be registered by the club. Sevilla had a plan to solve this problem, and it involved selling young defender Loic Bade; however, the player rejected the move. 

Bade rejects transfer approach 

Bade was one of the stars of Thierry Henry's U-23 side that won a silver medal at the Olympics. He was a main feature in the defence that remained the meanest in the competition, attracting interest from suitors. 

Serie A side Roma were among those suitors, as were Bundesliga second-placed side Stuttgart, who even tabled a concrete offer. Los Nervionenses were reported to have accepted this offer and were anticipating a windfall of around €20 million, which will come as a boon to their wage limit problems and will allow them register Iheanacho with LALIGA. 

Loic Bade in action for France U-23 at the Olympics || Image credit: Imago
Loic Bade in action for France U-23 at the Olympics || Image credit: Imago

However, according to Marca, Bade turned down the chance to join the German side, which throws a wrench in sporting director Victor Orta's mapped-out plan for the summer transfer window. 

Sevilla are scampering for solutions, including allowing left-back Marcus Acuna to leave on a free, which will free up his €6.5 salary. It remains to be seen if they can do enough to register the former Manchester City striker before their first home game of the season on Friday.