Nwakali's camp fires back: Not sacked by Barnsley, loan move on the cards, considers legal action

Kelechi Nwakali’s camp has strongly refuted claims that the midfielder's contract with Barnsley has been terminated, insisting the Nigeria international remains under contract with the League One side and is likely to be heading out on loan before the close of the transfer window.

The 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has not played for Barnsley in the new season, missing games against Plymouth Argyle, Burton Albion, Fleetwood Town, Bolton Wanderers and Peterborough United.

Kelechi's elder brother, Allwell Nwakali dismissed reports suggesting the Super Eagles star had been sacked and revealed that legal steps are being considered against those spreading false information.

"I don't know what Kelechi did to the website (OGN). They have been fighting against him, and I don’t know who is masterminding it," Allwell Nwakali said to allnigeriasoccer.com.

"When Kelechi returned to Barnsley, Super Eagles players like Chukwueze and Iheanacho were still in town. 

"The situation is getting out of hand. My lawyer will write to Mohammed Sulaiman for defamation. It's time I sue that website and ensure he pays damages."

Kelechi Nwakali completed a move to Barnsley last summer, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal that runs until the end of the 2026–2027 season.

On his brother's future, Allwell explained that while Barnsley are keen to retain the midfielder, Kelechi himself has expressed a desire for a loan move in search of regular playing time.

"Kelechi was one of the best players at Barnsley last season, but they were not playing him, so he said he wanted a loan. 

"Barnsley want him to stay, but he has requested a loan move to a club where he can be playing week in, week out.

"Barnsley have never said anything negative, yet people are writing rubbish. The club actually want to send him on loan. 

"We have three to four clubs interested in him, both in England and abroad, but he will make the final choice."

Nwakali made 26 appearances in his debut season at Barnsley, netting once — a strike that earned the club’s Goal of the Month award for December 2024.

A product of the Arsenal academy, he enjoyed loan spells at MVV Maastricht, VVV Venlo and Porto during his time at the Gunners, before moves to Huesca, Alcorcón, Ponferradina and Chaves.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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