Ex-Arsenal midfielder returns to England after 5 years | OneFootball

Former Arsenal midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is finally set to play his football in England, joining League One club Barnsley.

Kelechi Nwakali signs for Barnsley (Photo via BarnsleyFC.co.uk)

Barnsley have officially confirmed the signing of 26-year-old Kelechi Nwakali from Chaves on a three-year deal, lasting until 2027.

“I am very happy to sign for Barnsley Football Club,” Nwakali said of the move. “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.”

Kelechi Nwakali

Eight years after he was brought to Arsenal, Nwakali now looks like he’s finally set to play a match on English soil.

The midfielder never made an appearance for the Gunners in a competitive fixture, spending time out on loan with MVV, VVV-Venlo, and Porto B before making a permanent transfer to Huesca.

After three seasons with Huesca (including a loan to Alcorcon), Nwakali moved on to fellow Spanish side Ponferradina, then Chaves back in Portugal.

So it’s taken until now for Nwakali to get a chance in the English football system.

Kelechi Nwakali (Photo via Instagram / Nwakali25)

As for when Nwakali might get his first opportunity to play for Barnsley, sporting director Mladen Sormaz has suggested that due to his “shortened pre-season” they’ll “ease him into first-team action over the coming weeks”.

Nwakali made 33 appearances for Chaves last season, scoring one goal and assisting four from his position in midfield.