Barnsley Retain Nwakali for New Season

Barnsley Retain Nwakali for New Season

Sampson Adedeji 

League One side Barnsley FC have confirmed that Nigeria international Kelechi Nwakali will remain at the club beyond the 2025/26 season, following the release of their retained and released list on Sunday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The club announced several decisions regarding player futures, including the activation of contract options for a number of squad members, with Nwakali among those set to continue at Oakwell.

Nwakali’s future had been uncertain over the past year after a difficult spell at the club.

 The midfielder made 26 appearances in his debut campaign but later fell out of favour under former manager Conor Hourihane.

The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner had been widely expected to leave during previous transfer windows after reportedly being deemed surplus to requirements. However, a move away failed to materialise.

He subsequently featured mainly for the development squad to maintain fitness, before returning briefly to first-team action towards the end of the season, making four substitute appearances and playing a total of 52 minutes.

Nwakali’s time at Barnsley has also included disciplinary issues, with reports of internal concerns earlier in the campaign. 

He was also sent off during a development squad fixture against Birmingham City’s academy following an altercation.

Despite the challenges both on and off the pitch, Barnsley have decided to retain the Nigerian midfielder as part of their plans for the upcoming season.