Sevilla sporting director Victor Orta has expressed regrets over the decision to sign Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho last summer.
The Nigerian international joined the former Europa League winners last July, following the expiration of his contract at English club Leicester City.
Iheanacho struggled to adapt to the demands of the Spanish Laliga, making just 11 appearances for Sevilla in all competitions, scoring three goals.
The 28-year old failed to score in nine Laliga matches, starting five and making four substitute appearances as his three goals for the club came in two Copa Del Rey matches.
Speaking the unveiling of new coach Joaquin Caparros after Garcia Pimienta was dismissed last weekend, Victor Orta gave his opinion on last summer’s signing.
“I want to clarify that the first two strikers were brought in as complements, to be practically the third striker, because there was a starter like Youssef and a striker who later appeared, like Isaac,” Orta said.
“But it’s clear that betting on Kelechi this season has been a mistake, and we will analyze why we made it—and we are doing so now.”
Iheanacho left the club in January in a bid to revive his career with a move to England, where he joined championship side Middlesbrough.
Despite struggling to hit the ground running, he has now grown into a key part of manager Michael Carrick’s team.
The former Manchester City forward has made 11 appearances for the promotion-chasing side scoring once and providing two assists so far, his last match being a late cameo in Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Millwall.
Should Iheanacho continue to improve in his outings for Boro, his loan deal could be made permanent while he could also secure a move to another club.
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