Will Dickson, a promising 21-year-old striker previously with Manchester City's academy, has finalized a permanent transfer to Chesterfield, a team in the EFL League Two. This move follows an impactful loan period with the club and signifies the conclusion of his five-year association with the Premier League giant, where he developed within their Elite Development Squad.
Dickson's journey began with a scholarship deal in 2021, progressing to the Elite Development Squad (EDS) for the 2022-23 season. His time in the EDS was marked by significant achievement, netting 18 goals in 38 matches, which led to him signing his first professional contract in July 2023. Although much of his subsequent time in Manchester was spent on the sidelines, he notably earned a spot in Manchester City's matchday squad for a UEFA Champions League fixture against Slovan Bratislava in October 2024. During his loan spell with Chesterfield, he made 18 appearances, scoring one goal and providing an assist, demonstrating his versatility as both a striker and an attacking midfielder. His memorable goal came in a 4-1 victory over Newport County, showcasing his ability to carry the ball from deep and finish with precision.
The permanent agreement, signed on a Friday, secures Dickson's presence at the SMH Group Stadium until the summer of 2027. Gary Roberts, the team's manager, has expressed considerable optimism regarding this acquisition, believing Dickson possesses the potential to become one of the league's most formidable forwards. Roberts highlighted Dickson's strong foundation from his time at Manchester City and his considerable potential for further growth.
Throughout his tenure at Manchester City, Dickson made 87 appearances across various youth levels (U18s, U19s, and U21s), accumulating an impressive total of 37 goals at the City Football Academy. Prior to his move to Chesterfield, he also had a loan stint with Scottish side Motherwell, where he played seven times without registering a goal contribution in 124 minutes on the field.
This permanent switch to Chesterfield is expected to instill a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in the young forward. As he approaches his prime, Dickson is poised to assume a more central and influential role in the upcoming seasons, aiming to solidify his position as a key player for his new club and fulfill his promising potential on the professional stage.