Freddie Ladapo could be on the move again after his sudden Huddersfield Town exit.
The experienced forward is training with Chesterfield as he weighs up his next step ahead of the January window.
Chesterfield monitor free agent Ladapo
Freddie Ladapo has become one of the more intriguing names on the free agent market after leaving Huddersfield by mutual consent in September. The timing of his departure came after the transfer window had closed, which means he will not be able to sign for a new club until January. That has not stopped interest building, and League Two outfit Chesterfield are currently giving the striker a place to train.
Ladapo’s track record is significant. Now 32, he is a three-time promotion winner from League One and a proven scorer at this level. His most prolific spell came during a three-year stint with Rotherham United, where he registered 41 goals in 123 appearances between 2019 and 2022. His move to Huddersfield had been seen as a fresh start, but he could not reproduce that output and managed just one goal in 25 games before his deal came to an end.
GOAL!! FREDDIE LADAPO! 3-2 to Ipswich from 2-0 down. #ITFC #CardiffCity pic.twitter.com/Sknjpoj5WH
— The Tractor Boys (@TTBITFC) September 2, 2023
Chesterfield first team coach Gary Roberts, once a creative presence at Huddersfield himself, has been impressed by what he has seen from Ladapo behind the scenes. Roberts told the Derbyshire Times that the striker has trained with the group for two weeks and outlined how high the standards have been.
“He is training with us. He has been training with us now for two weeks and he has been brilliant. He is a really good player. He is enjoying it, does not miss a session and he looks in really good shape. He has trained so well and it is nice to have him in.”
Roberts also confirmed that the club hopes to pursue a deal when the window opens. The striker will not be short of interest, but Chesterfield intend to make their case early.
“If anything happens it will be in January. I think we would like to keep him. Can he help us? One hundred per cent. There will be a lot of teams after him but I think we will speak to him towards the start of the window.”
January interest building
I always found Ladapo to be a touch overrated. He’s got League One quality, but his numbers never really stacked up, going back to his time at Plymouth. I love Plymouth of 2018/19 and 2019/20, because they taught me a lot about xG, and it felt like Ladapo was never going to grab 20 a season. Then, in 2022/23, he did, hitting 21 across 53 matches for Ipswich.
With his experience, his scoring pedigree and his strong condition in training, Ladapo is expected to draw offers from multiple clubs in the new year. Chesterfield have placed themselves at the front of the queue, and their admiration is clear. They see a forward who can contribute in League Two and who brings professionalism and personality to the dressing room.
For Ladapo, the next month will be about choosing the right environment, the right project and the right football. Chesterfield hope they can provide that path, but they also know that competition will be fierce once the window opens, and if a struggling League One club comes in (Burton Albion, anyone), then it’ll be even tougher for the Spireites.