Signing Iheanacho Was A Mistake’ – Sevilla’s Victor Orta

Sevilla’s sporting director, Victor Orta, has admitted that signing Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho was a miscalculation by the Spanish club.

Iheanacho, who joined Sevilla in the summer of 2024 following his departure from Leicester City, struggled to make a significant impact in La Liga. Despite some early promise, his form dipped, and he failed to secure a regular starting spot. He scored just once in 11 league appearances, most of which came from the bench, though he managed three goals in the Copa Del Rey.

Speaking during the official unveiling of new Sevilla manager Joaquin Caparros, Orta took responsibility for the club’s decision to sign Iheanacho, stating the Nigerian was originally brought in as a third-choice striker behind Youssef En-Nesyri and Isaac Romero.

“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,” Orta said, acknowledging that the move had not worked out as planned.

Following his underwhelming stint in Spain, Iheanacho made another switch, this time returning to England with Championship side Middlesbrough, in a bid to revive his career. The 27-year-old has faced an uphill battle since leaving Manchester City and has yet to recapture the form that once made him one of Nigeria’s brightest attacking prospects.

With the Super Eagles preparing for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Iheanacho will be hoping consistent performances at club level can earn him a return to the national team fold. For now, though, Sevilla is already looking ahead, aiming to rebuild after what Orta has openly admitted was a recruitment error.