[BFC SITE] Kelechi Nwakali joins the Reds

Barnsley Football Club are delighted to confirm the signing of Nigerian International midfielder Kelechi Nwakali from G.D Chaves for an undisclosed fee subject to visa and international clearance.

The 26-year-old arrives at Oakwell on a three-year deal from the Portuguese side after making 32 appearances in the Primeira Liga last season.

Kelechi started his career at Arsenal after impressing the Gunners at the 2015 U17 World Cup where he won the Golden Ball award as the best player in the tournament.

After various loan spells across Europe, Nwakali joined La Liga side Huesca in 2019 and went on to play for Alcorcón and Ponferradina in Spain before joining Chaves in 2023.


I am very happy to sign for Barnsley Football Club. I spoke to Mladen and the Head Coach Darrell earlier in the summer and I knew that this was an exciting opportunity for me, I know I can bring a lot to the team. -

The skilful midfield player represented Nigeria at various youth levels before gaining his first full cap in 2022 at the African Cup of Nations. Kelechi came off the bench for The Super Eagles in wins against Egypt and Sudan in the group stages before starting the final game against Guinea-Bissau with Nigerian side running out 2-0 winners.

Sporting Director Mladen Sormaz said, “There is no doubt that Kelechi is a really talented player who can offer Darrell something different. We knew that the player wanted to return to England and that gave us an opportunity to bring him to Oakwell and we believe his experience playing in some of Europe’s top leagues will benefit us over the coming years. He has had a shortened pre-season and we’ll ease him into first team action over the coming weeks. “

Kelechi said, “I am very happy to sign for Barnsley Football Club. I spoke to Mladen and the Head Coach Darrell earlier in the summer and I knew that this was an exciting opportunity for me, I know I can bring a lot to the team. I am looking forward to being back in England and making Oakwell my home for the next three years.”

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Well that’s a bolt out of the blue - welcome to the reds

 

A couple of them possibly on their way out? Styles and Phillips perhaps...

 

This will probs make way for Russell to leave now

 

If he's attacking minded then it'll be a much needed addition in my opinion

Maybe he's the kind who can beat a man? We severely lack that kind of player

 

If I remember correctly this is the guy who has feet like Paddy McCourt, remember Arsenal fanboys buzzing over him on Twitter and the likes.

 

Ne’er mind that, how the hell are we going to fit that name into a song

 

Is anyone after him?

 

Be a shame after his performance on Saturday

 

We’ve gone from stacking defenders to stacking midfielders now.

 

Looks an amazing signing really.

We do still need an out & out striker though.

 

Looks like he can ping a pass on you tube vids.Good vision.

 

Complete bolt out of the blue but welcome Kelechi!

Looks like he'll be good competition for Craig at the base of the midfield once he's got his visa and is fully fit

 

Don’t know much about him but looking at his career and online, seems a bit of a coup this.

You’d think he’d be coming in to start given he played in Portugal’s top division last season. Can’t be dropping captain Luca and I imagine Craig will play a lot of games. Wonder if we’ll decide to cash in on Phillips? Unless we’re going to play the diamond midfield more often and all 4 can play.

Whatever happens, welcome Kelechi.

 

Welcome Kelechi enjoy your stay at Oakwell and may it be successful.

 

Looks a good acquisition.

 

He's come from the bottom team last season https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/liga-nos/tabelle/wettbewerb/PO1/saison_id/2023 which means nothing obviously!!

 

Absolutely no idea who he is, what he's like, or where he fits in. But I love him for that. Welcome to the club Kelechi.