Kelechi Nwakali has denied reports that he’s joining Dutch first division side NAC Breda, with his future seemingly still up in the air, despite earlier claims that a move to FC Porto was a done deal.

In recent days the media linked Nwakali to a move to Breda. The 20-year-old admitted he’s seen the reports, but roundly denied them in an Instagram Q&A. He also revealed his hesitance to return to MVV Maastricht again, for a third season in a row.

“I have read reports that I am on the verge of joining NAC. That is not true,” he said. “I love MVV Maastricht, but it’s up to me to decide to return to the club. But also I think it’s time to move to greater things.”

Last week, Nwakali’s brother and agent suggested that the player’s loan move to Porto was all but announced. Kelechi himself also seemingly confirmed the move on Instagram, posting a picture along with the caption “Back to work…Portugal Porto”.

However, he didn’t have anything further to add on Porto in his online Q&A. The fact the move is dragging on like this suggests it might not be such a certainty after all.

The main aim for the season is that Nwakali performs sufficiently well to earn call ups to the Nigerian national team. After that, a work permit to play in England should follow.

Nwakali spent the first half of last season on loan with VVV-Venlo, but the Dutch club couldn’t offer him starts, so he ended up with Maastricht in the second division for the remainder of the campaign. He made a positive impact in the Juliper League, scoring four goals and assisting one in 16 appearances from midfield.