Kelechi Iheanacho's jersey number revealed ahead of Middlesbrough debut

Championship club Middlesbrough have revealed Kelechi Iheanacho's squad number ahead of a possible debut next week.

Middlesbrough completed the signing of the Nigeria international on transfer deadline day in the winter window, but the deal was not completed in time for him to be part of the squad for the Championship clash against Sunderland at the Riverside Stadium.

In search of adequate playing opportunities, Iheanacho has joined Middlesbrough for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season, on loan from Sevilla.

Iheanacho has been allocated the number 9 at Boro, same number he wore on the back of his jersey at Sevilla before returning to English football.

His preferred shirt number is 14 which he wore for five seasons at Leicester City and remains his choice while representing the Super Eagles internationally.

The 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner sported the number 72 at Manchester City. 

Middlesbrough's number 9 shirt became vacant following the record-breaking transfer of Ivory Coast national teamer Emmanuel Latte Lath to Major League Soccer club Atlanta United.

Some of the players who wore Boro's number 9 jersey in the past include former Nigeria's Olympic national team invitee Uche Ikpeazu, Britt Assombalonga, Kris Boyd, Lukas Jutkiewicz, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Massimo Maccarone and Alan Peacock.

Iheanacho has already started training with his new teammates at Middlesbrough and is in contention to make his debut in the upcoming clash against Sheffield United on February 12, while a potential home debut could come against Watford three days later. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: mfc.co.uk

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