'Nothing close' – Barnsley coach expects Nwakali to leave before deadline but deal not imminent

Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane has confirmed that Kelechi Nwakali is still expected to leave Oakwell before the summer transfer window closes though a deal is not imminent.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Reds' League One clash with Huddersfield Town, Hourihane stressed that negotiations remain ongoing but all parties anticipate a resolution in the coming days.

"Nothing close on that either, but I think all parties know that hopefully that will be the outcome come Monday — that he moves on," the Barnsley boss told reporters.

The 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has been left out of Barnsley's matchday squads this season, failing to feature in any of the club's opening seven games.

His lack of playing time has intensified speculation over an exit, with the Nigeria international eager to secure a move.

Nwakali joined Barnsley last summer on a three-year contract running until the end of the 2026–27 season.

In his debut campaign at Oakwell, he managed 15 starts across 54 matches in all competitions.

With opportunities limited, the midfielder's camp confirmed last week that he is attracting interest from clubs in England and abroad.

A product of Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria, Nwakali has previously played for Arsenal, MVV Maastricht, VVV-Venlo, Porto, Huesca, Alcorcón, Ponferradina and Chaves.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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