Kelechi Nwakali’s Barnsley career appears finished after manager Conor Hourihane confirmed the Nigerian midfielder won’t feature for the first team again this season. The 27-year-old has been excluded from senior squad selection due to disciplinary reasons.
Speaking to the Barnsley Chronicle, Hourihane revealed Nwakali will remain with the under-21s indefinitely. The manager expressed doubt about any potential recall, stating: “Do I see him breaking back in? Probably not if I’m being totally honest. We’re looking for the best scenario for club and player.”
Hourihane emphasized Nwakali’s incompatibility with Barnsley’s tactical approach: “I don’t see him fitting our high-energy, aggressive, high-tempo style.” The midfielder hasn’t made any senior appearances this campaign, training exclusively with youth teams for months.
From World Cup Glory To Barnsley Exile
Nwakali’s career trajectory has been turbulent since captaining Nigeria’s U-17 World Cup-winning team in 2015. His Golden Ball performance earned him a move to Arsenal, brokered by legend Nwankwo Kanu. Work permit issues prevented senior appearances, leading to multiple loans before joining SD Huesca permanently.
Barnsley attempted to transfer Nwakali during the summer window but found no suitable buyers. This marks his eighth club since leaving Arsenal, with five loan spells along the way. Once considered a future Super Eagles star, Nwakali now trains with Barnsley’s reserves.
With under two seasons remaining on his contract, Barnsley will likely accept transfer offers in January. The League One club seeks to resolve the situation permanently after this season’s exclusion.
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