Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane has confirmed that Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali will be allowed to leave the League One club before the close of the 2025 summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old has been training away from the first team since returning late from holiday in Nigeria, a move which saw him excluded from recent games against Plymouth Argyle, Burton Albion, Fleetwood Town and Bolton Wanderers.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Barnsley’s meeting with Peterborough United, Hourihane was direct about the midfielder’s future.
“Yes, that’s the plan,” the head coach said when asked if Nwakali would be leaving.
The development mirrors a familiar pattern for Nwakali, whose career has often been overshadowed by disciplinary issues. He was previously dismissed by Spanish side Huesca for similar reasons.
Kelechi Nwakali in action for Barnsley. Photo Credit: Barnsley/X
Nwakali still has two years remaining on his contract, a factor that could make any departure more complex.
Despite his disciplinary record, the midfielder was an influential figure for Barnsley last season, making 26 appearances across all competitions.
He also picked up the club’s Goal of the Month and Player of the Month awards in successive months last campaign, underlining his ability when in form.
READ MORE: anas-alimi-score-as-nigeria-exit-and-chan-2024-quarter-finals-set
Once regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects, Nwakali rose to prominence after captaining the Golden Eaglets to victory at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he was named tournament best player.
But inconsistency and off-field issues have hindered his progress across stints in Spain, Portugal, and now England.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Barnsley’s decision to move him on adds to a turbulent career for a player still widely respected for his talent but yet to find lasting stability.
