Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane has confirmed that Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali will leave the club before the close of the 2025 summer transfer window, following disciplinary issues.
The 26-year-old, one of Barnsley’s standout players last season, has been training away from the first team since returning late from holiday in Nigeria, a move that saw him left out of recent fixtures against Plymouth Argyle, Burton Albion, Fleetwood Town and Bolton Wanderers.
Speaking in a press briefing, Hourihane made it clear that Nwakali is no longer part of his plans.
“Obviously there’s a couple of weeks to go in the window. Let’s see where it takes us,” the coach said. When asked directly if Nwakali would be allowed to leave, he replied, “Yes, that’s the plan.”
Nwakali still has two years left on his contract, which could complicate his departure. He made 26 appearances across all competitions last season, earning Goal of the Month and Player of the Month honours in December and January.
This is not the first time the former 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has faced disciplinary sanctions. In April 2022, his contract with Spanish side Huesca was terminated after he reported late from international duty, while previous stints at Arsenal, Ponferradina, and Chaves also ended prematurely.
For a player widely regarded for his talent, this latest episode at Barnsley adds to a career marked as much by disciplinary controversies as flashes of brilliance.
