Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane has rubbished claims that Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has been sacked by the club, describing the rumours as “completely inaccurate.”
“Fired? Not heard anything about that. Wide of the mark,” Hourihane said in an interview with BBC Radio.
The clarification follows reports suggesting the Super Eagles star had been dismissed by the League One side. Hourihane confirmed that Nwakali remains under contract with Barnsley until June 30, 2027, though he is currently not part of the manager’s immediate plans.
Nwakali, who has been absent from matchday squads all summer, initially missed pre-season due to a delayed return from Nigeria after a family matter. His absence has since stretched into the competitive season, fuelling speculation about his future.
Despite ongoing transfer talks, Hourihane stressed that any exit would not be due to disciplinary issues or contract termination but rather a search for regular playing time.
“We’re open to what’s best for the player and the club,” the coach added.
Sources close to the midfielder revealed that three to four clubs are monitoring Nwakali, with a potential move likely before the transfer window closes on August 30.
The 26-year-old joined Barnsley in August 2024 on a three-year deal and made 26 appearances last season before falling out of favour.
His career, marked by frequent moves since leaving Arsenal in 2016, has seen him play in the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain before arriving in England.