Two years in the making: Arsenal alum Kelechi Nwakali seals transfer to League One club Barnsley 

With a statement on their official website, League One outfit Barnsley have announced the signing of Arsenal alum Kelechi Nwakali.

The 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has returned to English football five years after leaving the Emirates Stadium for pastures new. 

Nwakali's deal with Barnsley was two years in the making, with allnigeriasoccer.com exclusively reporting in February 2022 that the Reds attempted to sign him in the winter transfer market of 2022 but were unsuccessful. 

The Nigeria international arrives at Oakwell on a three-year deal,  subject to visa and international clearance.

Nwakali has ended his association with Portuguese setup G.D. Chaves after making 32 appearances in the Primeira Liga last season, logging 2,082 minutes. 

The central midfielder was tipped to depart G.D. Chaves after they were relegated to the Liga Portugal 2 at the end of last season.

During his time as an Arsenal player, he was loaned out to MVV Maastricht, VVV Venlo and Porto, before sealing a permanent move to SD Huesca in Spain.

Nwakali represented  Spanish clubs Alcorcón and Ponferradina before joining Chaves in 2023.

Barnsley have signed a player with leadership qualities as he has captained Nigeria at U17, U20 and U23 levels. 

On the international stage, Nwakali was a member of the Super Eagles squad to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where he featured in games against Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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