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Kelechi Nwakali set to join Omonia 29is Maiou after Barnsley departure
Kelechi Nwakali is set to join Cypriot First Division side Omonia 29is Maiou after agreeing a move from Barnsley, with the transfer now subject to a medical.
The Nigeria international has travelled to Cyprus to complete the formalities of the deal, which is expected to be announced after he undergoes a routine medical in the coming days.
Omonia 29is Maiou are currently preparing for their league fixture against Krasava ENY Ypsonas FC on Friday evening, meaning Nwakali’s medical is likely to take place once the club’s immediate match preparations have been completed.
Nwakali and Barnsley agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent, one year before it was due to expire. That decision allowed the midfielder to leave the League One club and pursue a move to a new European destination.
If he passes his medical, the 28-year-old will sign a one-year contract with Omonia 29is Maiou. The agreement is expected to keep him at the club until the end of the 2026-2027 season.
Nwakali left Barnsley after making 30 appearances in all competitions for the Reds. He scored once and registered one assist during his time with the club.
The midfielder began his career at Diamond Academy and emerged as one of the leading players at the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup. He captained Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets as they won the tournament, securing the country’s fifth world title at that level, and was awarded the Golden Ball as the competition’s outstanding player.
His performances at the tournament earned him a move to Arsenal. While with the Premier League club, Nwakali spent time on loan at MVV Maastricht, VVV Venlo and Porto.
He left Arsenal permanently in 2019 to join Spanish club SD Huesca. Since then, he has also played for Alcorcon, Ponferradina and Chaves.
The move to Omonia 29is Maiou will give Nwakali another opportunity to continue his career in European football following his departure from Barnsley. Formal confirmation of the transfer is expected after the completion of the medical and the remaining contractual procedures.
