Chesterfield have struck a deal with NIFL Premiership side Crusaders to sign Fraser Bryden, fending off Sheffield Wednesday and other clubs from across the UK and Ireland.
Reports earlier in the month from Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke linked the Spireites with the 24-goal forward amid competition from across the EFL and the Scottish Premiership.
From the stands 🎦
Fraser Bryden with a vital goal for @CrusadersFC #SportsDirectPrem pic.twitter.com/E7yYEGsir1
— NI Football League (@OfficialNIFL) April 19, 2026
Bryden Set For Chesterfield
Now, according to Scott Burns of the Daily Record, Fraser Bryden is heading to Derbyshire, with a £120,000 fee agreed including add-ons and will undergo a medical in the next two days.
A previous report from Sky’s Anthony Joseph revealed that a price was agreed, but that negotiations were still ongoing between club and player, leaving the door open for a potential hijack from elsewhere.
Two League of Ireland sides in the form of Dundalk and Derry City were also interested in a move, with the former in need of a new striker following the sale of Gbemi Arubi to League One outfit Burton Albion.
Burton Albion is pleased to announce the signing of Gbemi Arubi from Dundalk for an undisclosed fee.
The Irish under-21 international has signed a three-year deal at the Pirelli Stadium, with the option of an additional year.#TheBrewers pic.twitter.com/nR0wGLqGZf
— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) July 18, 2026
Having joined Crusaders last summer, the Scottish forward immediately made an impact in Belfast, with 22 goals to his name in 35 appearances, finishing joint second in the NIFL Golden Boot race behind Glentoran’s Pat Hoban.
The Belfast Telegraph reported earlier in the week that Sheffield Wednesday were also keen on a move, with the League One side eyeing several new recruits as part of their rebuild under new owner David Storch.
He is now set to head to Chesterfield and sign a three-year contract, joining another forward who excelled in the Premiership in the form of Lee Bonis, whose 13-goal haul in League Two helped the club to challenge in the playoffs, where they fell short against eventual winners Notts County.
Shrewd Deal Completed
With several clubs interested in signing a bright prospect in the form of 22-year-old Fraser Bryden, Chesterfield will be thrilled that they can bring in a new option to play alongside Lee Bonis.
Paul Cook’s side arguably did not need a fourth striker this window after sealing a permanent move for Manchester City‘s Will Dickson, but with Will Grigg not getting any younger ahead of his contract expiring next summer, bringing in his successor now solves a future headache.
Scoring 23 times in his debut season at Crusaders, he has earned a move to the EFL and should be able to kick on nicely if afforded the opportunity by Paul Cook to play regularly.
While his inexperience may limit him to begin with, if he can grasp opportunities when afforded them, then Bryden could be the key to helping Chesterfield break through and gain promotion to League One.
2 responses
Nice to see that a transfer has been completed,where the fee is disclosed, and we fans don’t have to see yet another fee undisclosed.