Chesterfield are set to add former Everton midfielder Luke Butterfield to their squad ahead of the 2025/26 League Two season.
Manager Paul Cook confirmed the 21-year-old will sign for the Spireites after a successful trial period during pre-season.
Spireites Strengthen Midfield with Youth International
Butterfield has been training with Chesterfield this summer and featured in friendly matches, including the club’s trip to Spain. Cook revealed ahead of their match against Europa Point that the deal is effectively done, with the Scotland youth international expected to boost the club’s midfield ranks.
Town were left a little light in the centre of the park following the exits of Ollie Banks and Darren Oldaker, but Butterfield’s arrival will restore depth and provide further competition for places. His signing follows an active transfer window in which the club have already brought in Zach Hemming, Devan Tanton, Adam Lewis, Ryan Stirk, Matt Dibley-Dias, Dilan Markanday, and Lee Bonis.
Butterfield spent over a decade at Everton after joining from Blackburn Rovers in 2014. He signed professional terms in 2020 and extended his contract to 2025, but was released earlier this summer. A January loan was planned but never materialised due to a minor injury setback, though he returned in time to feature in a test event at Everton’s newly completed 52,000-capacity stadium.
Still just 21, Butterfield is regarded as a technically sound central midfielder with a good passing range. His time at Finch Farm saw him develop under Premier League standards, and Chesterfield will be hoping he can translate that pedigree into consistent performances in League Two.
The Spireites have made no secret of their ambition to push for promotion this year, and the signing of Butterfield fits the theme of targeting high-upside free agents with top-level academy experience. His international youth caps with Scotland further underline the potential Chesterfield hope to unlock.
Cook’s side begin their league campaign on August 10, and with their recruitment strategy seemingly complete in midfield, attention may now turn to finalising the squad elsewhere. Butterfield will join up with the group permanently upon returning from their pre-season training base in Malaga.
Writer’s View
This looks like a savvy bit of business from Paul Cook and Chesterfield. Butterfield arrives with a strong academy background, top-level coaching, and international experience, all without a transfer fee. While he’s yet to prove himself in the senior game, the raw materials are clearly there.
With the departures of experienced midfielders, Chesterfield needed to act, and Butterfield’s hunger to kickstart his career could make him a valuable addition. If he settles quickly and stays injury-free, the Spireites may have unearthed a gem from the Premier League scrapheap.
