Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who made a summer move to Sevilla, may not feature in Sevilla’s opening La Liga match against Las Palmas on Friday due to a hitch in the club’s player registration process.

Iheanacho, after a seven-year spell with Leicester City, joined Sevilla as a free agent, becoming the second Nigerian to sign for the Andalusian club. 

The 27-year-old made his unofficial debut for Los Nervionenses last weekend in a preseason match that ended in a 4-1 defeat against Liverpool.

Despite showing flashes of his undeniable talent, his official debut might be postponed.

According to Elgoldigital, Sevilla has yet to register Iheanacho for the upcoming La Liga season.

The delay stems from the club’s failure to meet La Liga’s financial requirements for player registration.

As things stand, Sevilla can only register one more player, but they currently have two unregistered—Kelechi Iheanacho and Lucien Agoumé.

Given their limited options in midfield, the club might lean towards registering Agoumé first, leaving Iheanacho in limbo.

For both players to be registered, Sevilla would need to offload a player to meet La Liga’s financial criteria. 

Sevilla’s newly signed French midfielder Lucien Agoume (R) and forward Kelechi Iheanacho (L) pose for pictures with Club President Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)

With just two days until their first game, this seems unlikely. However, the club is expected to maneuver these challenges and register all their players before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

What Will Kelechi Iheanacho Bring to Sevilla?

The forward is no stranger to top-tier football. The Super Eagles forward, seasoned in the Premier League, brings a wealth of experience to Sevilla. 

Having been under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Iheanacho made 64 appearances, netting 21 goals and providing seven assists.

His time at Leicester City was equally impressive, where he racked up 232 appearances, scoring 61 goals and delivering 34 assists.

Sevilla seems to be revamping its attacking options, with Iheanacho being the second forward brought in this transfer window. 

Iheanacho has spent his entire career in the elite levels of English football and has graced the Champions League stage.

His experience and winning mentality are precisely what Sevilla will need as they aim to make an impact this season having finished 14th last season.

Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Iheanacho excels as a link-up player. He is adept at dropping deep to facilitate play and is not afraid to take on shots from distance. 

His versatility and eye for goal could be pivotal for Sevilla as they navigate a challenging season ahead.

It’s shaping up to be a busy season for Iheanacho and his fellow countryman, Chidera Ejuke, who also joined Sevilla this summer.