Kelechi Nwakali leaves Barnsley by mutual consent

Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has left English League One club Barnsley by mutual consent. The 28-year-old player had one year remaining on his contract, but the agreement to terminate his deal is currently subject to formal approval from the English Football League (EFL).

Nwakali, a former Arsenal youth player and 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner, joined Barnsley in 2024 from the Portuguese side Chaves. During his two seasons at Oakwell, he made 30 appearances across all competitions. His playing time declined significantly during the 2025-26 campaign, where he was largely sidelined from the first team.

Following his departure, Nwakali is currently a free agent. He has been linked with a potential move to the Cypriot club Omonia, though no official agreement has been confirmed.