Former Arsenal midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has been dropped from Barnsley’s first team, with manager Conor Hourihane confirming that the Nigerian is unlikely to feature for the club again this season.
Speaking to the Barnsley Chronicle, Hourihane revealed that Nwakali’s demotion to the under-21 side stemmed from a disciplinary issue and admitted the 27-year-old does not fit into the club’s current style of play.
“Do I see him breaking back in? Probably not, if I am being totally honest,” Hourihane said. “It’s the same message from the summer. We’re looking for the best scenario for the club and player. I don’t see him fitting into the way we want to play — being really energetic, aggressive, and high-tempo.”
Nwakali joined Barnsley two summers ago on a three-year deal and made 26 appearances in his debut season. However, he has yet to feature in any competitive game this campaign and now plays regularly for the under-21s.
The midfielder, once regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents, signed for Arsenal in 2016 after captaining the Golden Eaglets to victory at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball award.
Despite the move being facilitated by Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu, Nwakali never made a senior appearance for the Gunners due to work permit complications, spending several years on loan before departing permanently for SD Huesca in Spain.
Barnsley reportedly attempted to offload him during the last transfer window but were unable to reach an agreement. With two years remaining on his contract, his future at the League One side remains uncertain.
Hourihane has not ruled out discussions before January, but his comments suggest that Nwakali’s return to the first team is highly unlikely.
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