Kelechi Nwakali has completed a permanent move to Cypriot side Omonia 29 Maiou following his departure from English League One club Barnsley.
The 28-year-old midfielder becomes the second Nigerian to join the club in this summer transfer window, following the arrival of Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho from Omonia Nicosia.
Nwakali’s move comes just days after Barnsley confirmed that he had left the club by mutual consent, bringing an end to his two-year spell at Oakwell.
“We can confirm that Kelechi Nwakali has departed Oakwell by mutual consent, subject to EFL approval. The Club wishes Kelechi all the best for the future,” Barnsley wrote on their social media platforms.
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Nwakali joined Barnsley in August 2024 on a three-year contract and initially showed some promise during his first season, registering two goal contributions in 26 appearances.
However, the midfielder gradually fell down the pecking order under former manager Conor Hourihane and spent much of the 2025/26 campaign with the club’s development squad.
He eventually returned to first-team action towards the end of the season, making four substitute appearances and playing a total of 52 minutes.
Nwakali’s time at Barnsley was also affected by disciplinary issues. Earlier reports suggested there were internal concerns surrounding the midfielder, while he was later shown a straight red card during a development squad fixture against Birmingham City’s academy following an altercation.
Despite his difficult campaign, Nwakali reported early for pre-season training with Barnsley with hopes of reviving his fortunes under new manager Daniel Stendel.
Those plans have now changed, with the former Arsenal midfielder beginning a new chapter in Cyprus.
His move to Omonia 29 Maiou will give Nwakali an opportunity to rebuild his confidence, regain his form and relaunch his career after a challenging spell in England.
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