Chesterfield are one of several EFL and Scottish Premiership clubs eyeing a move for a 22-year-old striker who scored 24 goals in all competitions last season.
The Spireites finished in the League Two play-offs last season and are likely targeting another promotion chase this campaign.
In a bid to enhance their promotion credentials, Chesterfield are said to be interested in Fraser Bryden, after an impressive season for the Crusaders in the NIFL Premiership.
Chesterfield Interested in a Move for Fraser Bryden
Pete O’Rourke shared on his X account that the Spireites are interested in a move for Bryden.
Chesterfield are among a number of EFL and Scottish Premiership clubs eyeing moves for Northern Ireland Premiership Young Player of the Year winner Fraser Bryden following his impressive exploits for Crusaders. The 22-year-old scored 24 goals last season. #spireites #crusaders pic.twitter.com/4M5up73Qmz
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) July 17, 2026
The 22-year-old is a wanted man, though, so a move to Chesterfield might not be straightforward.
O’Rourke confirmed that other EFL clubs and teams in the Scottish Premiership are keeping tabs on the young forward.
Breakthrough Campaign
Bryden moved to Northern Ireland last summer, joining Crusaders after coming through the academy of Ayr United in Scotland.
Before making the move to Northern Ireland, he had only scored three goals in 44 appearances across two seasons, one at Ayr and one on loan at Queen of the South.
He joined the Crusaders on a free transfer and hasn’t looked back since.
In 35 NIFL Premiership games, Bryden scored 21 goals, receiving an average Sofascore rating of 7.05, the second highest in the team.
The forward scored two hat-tricks last season, as well as scoring four goals in a game against Glenavon. In that game, he scored with every shot he had, receiving a Sofascore rating of 9.4.
Bryden was a constant threat for Crusaders. He averaged 2.4 shots per game and 1.1 shots on target per game.
A Risk Worth Taking for Chesterfield
Although the Scottish striker has only had one successful season in senior football, his numbers last season make him a risk worth taking.
Chesterfield’s top scorer last season was Lee Bonis, who ended the campaign with 13 goals. Similar to Bryden, Bonis played in the NIFL Premiership.
Given the right support and service, Bryden could thrive in League Two and boost the Spireites’ chances of going one step further in their promotion chase.
