Chesterfield are interested in a deal for Canadian defender Malik Owolabi-Belewu according to reports.
The Spireites are in need of defenders after a series of injuries to their back line, with new recruit Kyle McFadzean the latest name on the medical benches.
22-Year-Old Set To Move
According to a report from Canadian football writer James Sharman, Chesterfield are set to sign Owolabi-Belewu from CPL side Forge FC for a fee in the region of $200,000 plus a sell-on fee. The report has since been corroborated by the Derbyshire Times.
Forge FC have been the dominant force in Canada, winning the Canadian Premier League four times and finishing runners up twice. The centre-back was at the club during their title wins in 2022 and 2023.
The Spireites have strong defensive concerns, having three fit centre-backs at his disposal in their loss to Cheltenham Town this weekend. One of those, Tyrone Williams, was playing his first minutes since the middle of December. They play Doncaster Rovers in midweek action.
Writer’s View
Chesterfield do need some defenders and with the Canadian Premier League in its offseason, the chance to make a move there was open and they have opted to sign Malik Owolabi-Belewu. He is a versatile player, capable of playing both left-back and centre-back and is left-footed which does come with its benefits. League Two sides have increasingly looked at the division for signings, with Salford City recruiting Robbie Cleary after he also played at Forge FC. It could soon become a league that the fourth tier targets for potential shrewd deals.
