Kelechi Nwakali Barnsley future confirmed as the club retains the Nigeria midfielder for the new season after a turbulent spell

Kelechi Nwakali will remain at Barnsley F.C. following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, as the English League One side released its retained and released list on Sunday.

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The club confirmed that the Nigerian international is among several players whose contracts have been extended, ending months of uncertainty over his future at Oakwell.

Barnsley’s decision places Nwakali alongside teammates such as Luca Connell, Josh Earl, Kacper Lopata, Corey O’Keeffe, and Jackson Smith, all of whom were retained for the upcoming campaign.

The Kelechi Nwakali Barnsley future had been unclear after a difficult spell marked by reduced first-team opportunities under former manager Conor Hourihane.

The midfielder, who rose to prominence after winning the Golden Ball at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, initially featured regularly but later spent time with the development squad to maintain fitness.

He eventually returned to brief first-team action, making substitute appearances towards the end of the season, despite earlier reports suggesting he could leave the club.

His time at Barnsley has also included disciplinary setbacks and fluctuating form, but the club has now opted to retain him as part of its squad rebuild.

Barnsley also confirmed the departure of several players, including those returning to parent clubs or leaving after contract expiration.

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The latest decision marks a fresh opportunity for Nwakali as he looks to re-establish himself in the English game ahead of the new season.