Barnsley Football Club confirmed the signing of Nigerian International midfielder Kelechi Nwakali from G.D Chaves for an undisclosed fee subject to visa and international clearance.

The 26-year-old arrived at Oakwell on a three-year deal from the Portuguese side after making 32 appearances in the Primeira Liga last season.

Kelechi started his career at Arsenal after impressing the Gunners at the 2015 U17 World Cup where he won the Golden Ball award as the best player in the tournament.

After various loan spells across Europe, Nwakali joined La Liga side Huesca in 2019 and went on to play for Alcorcón and Ponferradina in Spain before joining Chaves in 2023.

The skilful midfield player represented Nigeria at various youth levels before gaining his first full cap in 2022 at the African Cup of Nations. Kelechi came off the bench for the Super Eagles in wins against Egypt and Sudan in the group stages before starting the final game against Guinea-Bissau with Nigerian side running out 2-0 winners.

Kelechi said on signing the deal, “I am very happy to sign for Barnsley Football Club. 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.”