Super Eagles: Ex-Arsenal player part ways with English club

Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has left English League One club Barnsley by mutual agreement despite still having a year left on his contract, Soccernet.ng reports.

Once tipped to become one of the Super Eagles’ biggest football stars, Nwakali has endured a difficult career, with a couple of moves failing to work out as expected. He has now left Barnsley, leaving him without a club.

The 28-year-old began his career at Arsenal but never made a senior appearance for the club. He went on loan to several clubs during his time with the Gunners before eventually leaving in 2019.

Nwakali then moved to Portuguese side Chaves in 2023, where he spent a season before joining Barnsley in 2024 in the hope of reviving his career.

He enjoyed an impressive start to life at Barnsley but eventually lost his place after his debut season.

During the 2025-26 season, Nwakali was sidelined and left out of the team due to disciplinary issues before eventually being frozen out of the squad.

However, he managed to return to the side and made a few appearances towards the end of the season.

Nwakali: Barnsley confirm departure of Super Eagles star

Barnsley have now confirmed the departure of the Super Eagles midfielder, bringing his two-year stay at the League One club to an end.

According to an official post on Instagram, Nwakali has left Oakwell by mutual consent, although the departure remains subject to approval from the English Football League (EFL).

“We can confirm that Kelechi Nwakali has departed Oakwell by mutual consent, subject to EFL approval”, the club wrote on Instagram.

“The Club wishes Kelechi all the best for the future.”

Nwakali ended his time at Barnsley with 30 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

His next move remains unknown for now, although he has been linked with a move to Cypriot side Omonia and could seal a transfer to the club soon.

The 28-year-old will now be hoping to revive his career with his next move and get the opportunity to regain his best form, wherever he eventually ends up.