Chesterfield have completed the signing of forward Lee Bonis from Dutch side ADO Den Haag for an undisclosed fee, adding firepower to their frontline ahead of their League Two return.
The 25-year-old Northern Ireland international becomes Paul Cook’s fifth addition of the summer, following the arrivals of Zach Hemming, Adam Lewis, Ryan Stirk, and Dilan Markanday. Bonis could make his first appearance for the club in Saturday’s pre-season opener away at Matlock Town.
Bonis In The Netherlands
Bonis spent the 2024–25 campaign in the Eerste Divisie, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists for ADO Den Haag. Prior to his move to the Netherlands, he enjoyed a highly productive spell with Larne in Northern Ireland, netting 58 goals and supplying 28 assists in 118 appearances across back-to-back league title wins.
He joined Larne from Portadown in January 2022 for a reported £100,000 and quickly established himself as one of the Irish League’s top marksmen. His form earned international recognition, with Bonis making his senior Northern Ireland debut in 2023.
Chesterfield confirmed the move in a club statement:
“We are delighted to announce the arrival of Northern Ireland international Lee Bonis from Dutch side ADO Den Haag for an undisclosed fee. Welcome to Chesterfield, Lee.”
Bonis is expected to feature heavily in the Spireites’ pre-season schedule, with fixtures also lined up against Burton Albion, Europa Point, Sheffield United, and Nottingham Forest before the club begins its League Two campaign at home to Barrow on August 2.
Writer’s View
Chesterfield’s recruitment drive has been measured but ambitious, and the addition of Lee Bonis might be the most eye-catching yet. While the English game will offer a different challenge to the Dutch second tier and Northern Ireland’s top flight, Bonis has the attributes to thrive—strength, movement, and a calmness in front of goal.
Importantly, his record suggests a player who’s durable and reliable. Unlike many forwards who’ve racked up goals in lower leagues but struggled with consistency due to injury, Bonis has built his career on regular availability. His track record at Larne and ADO Den Haag points to a player capable of handling the physical demands of a full season.
If he adapts quickly to the tempo of League Two, there’s every chance he could become a focal point for the Spireites’ promotion push. He arrives with no baggage, a clean bill of health, and the confidence of someone used to finding the net—exactly what Paul Cook will have wanted.
