By Ghazali Ibrahim
Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane has confirmed that Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is set to depart the club before the summer transfer window closes, following disciplinary issues.
Nwakali, 26, has been excluded from first-team training since returning late from a holiday in Nigeria.
This decision saw him omitted from recent matchday squads against Plymouth Argyle, Burton Albion, Fleetwood Town, and Bolton Wanderers.
When questioned about his future, Hourihane made clear Nwakali was no longer in his plans.
“Yes, that’s the plan,” the coach said, noting that there was “a couple of weeks to go in the window.”
The abrupt fallout follows a pattern: in 2022, Nwakali’s contract with Spanish side SD Huesca was terminated after a late return from international duty.
His career has since been shadowed by similar disciplinary controversies.
Despite his off-field troubles, Nwakali made significant contributions last season.
He featured in 26 matches across all competitions and earning both the Goal of the Month and Player of the Month accolades in December and January.
However, negotiations for his exit could face complications: he still has two years remaining on his contract with Barnsley.
Kelechi Nwakali’s exit from Barnsley marks a disappointing turn for the talented midfielder once hailed as a future star after winning the Golden Ball at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
