Barnsley sign Nigerian International Kelechi Nwakali
Former Arsenal prospect Kelechi Nwakali signs with Barnsley Credit: Jannik Skorna
Barnsley have secured the signing of Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali from Portuguese side G.D. Chaves.
The 26-year-old joins the Reds on a three-year contract.
Nwakali, who made 32 appearances in the Primeira Liga last season, expressed his excitement about the move to Oakwell.
“I am very happy to sign for Barnsley Football Club. I spoke to Mladen Sormaz and the Head Coach Darrell earlier in the summer and I knew that this was an exciting opportunity for me,” said Nwakali.
“I know I can bring a lot to the team.”
The talented midfielder began his professional career with Arsenal, having caught the club’s eye during the 2015 U17 World Cup, where he won the prestigious Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player.
Despite high expectations, Nwakali’s time with Arsenal included several loan spells across Europe.
In 2019, he signed with La Liga side Huesca, and subsequently played for Alcorcón and Ponferradina in Spain, before making the switch to Chaves in 2023.
Nwakali also has international experience with Nigeria, representing the Super Eagles at various youth levels and earning his first full cap at the 2022 African Cup of Nations. During the tournament, he featured in victories over Egypt and Sudan, and started in Nigeria’s 2-0 win against Guinea-Bissau.
Barnsley's Sporting Director, Mladen Sormaz, spoke highly of the new signing, noting Nwakali’s experience and potential impact on the team.
“There is no doubt that Kelechi is a really talented player who can offer Darrell something different,” Sormaz said.
“We knew that the player wanted to return to England and that gave us an opportunity to bring him to Oakwell. We believe his experience playing in some of Europe’s top leagues will benefit us over the coming years.”
