Keep or release: Barnsley make decision on Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner

Following the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season, League One club Barnsley have published their retained and released list, with decisions made on the futures of four Nigerian players.

The Tykes have confirmed that Nigeria international Kelechi Nwakali is among the players retained for the 2025-2026 season.

The 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner had been expected to leave Barnsley during both the summer and winter transfer windows after falling out of favour under manager Conor Hourihane.

However, a move failed to materialise, and he was instead kept match-fit with appearances for the development squad.

In the run-in to the end of the season, Nwakali featured in four consecutive matches as a substitute, accumulating 52 minutes of action.

The former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles captain joined Barnsley in August 2027 on a three-year deal valid until the end of next season.

Meanwhile, 2023 Flying Eagles invitee Owen Goodman and Manchester City academy graduate Nathanael Ogbeta are set to return to their parent clubs, Crystal Palace and Plymouth Argyle respectively, with the centre-back expected to be released by the Pilgrims upon the expiration of his contract on June 30.

Young forward Feyi Afuape will bring his Barnsley spell to an end next month.