Chesterfield are lining up a move for experienced free agent Freddie Ladapo, after the forward impressed during training with the League Two side.
The 32-year-old is currently without a club after being released by League One side Huddersfield Town following the end ending of the summer transfer window.
However, his stint without a club looks destined to come to an end in the coming weeks.
Chesterfield set for free agent signing
As reported by Derbyshire Times journalist Liam Norcliffe, Chesterfield are closing in on a deal to sign experienced forward Freddie Ladapo on a free transfer.
Ladapo has spent the last couple of weeks training with the League Two promotion hopefuls and has impressed manager Paul Cook.
Due to Ladapo being released after the transfer window closed, he is unable to sign for a club until the January window opens next month.
However, Chesterfield have set their sights on securing his signature when that time comes around.
How did he fare last season?
The 32-year-old had a challenging 2024/25 campaign with Huddersfield, in what proved to be a difficult season following their relegation from the Championship.
Ladapo made 25 appearances for Huddersfield across all competitions last season, but only managed one goal for the club.
This goal came in October 2024 during a 2-0 victory against Barnsley in the EFL Trophy, but despite the high number of outings – almost all of them came from the bench.
Is this the right move for Ladapo?
The 2021/22 and 2022/23 season’s saw Ladapo take League One by storm with Rotherham and Ipswich Town but he’s struggled to kick on since.
During his last 35 league outings, he’s scored just once and assisted another, suggesting that he’s struggling to find his feet in the final third.
Paul Cook’s side also have resurrected careers previously with the likes of Will Grigg, which could appeal even more to Ladapo.
Chesterfield are currently 10th in League Two but are only a point off the play-off places and bizarrely only four points shy of the automatic promotion spots.
Having a player of Ladapo’s pedigree (if he can find his feet), could result in guaranteed goals that would allow him to earn silverware and fire his side back up to League One.