Chesterfield lead race to sign Everton starlet Aled Thomas

Chesterfield are chasing a loan move for Everton’s rising star Aled Thomas, sources have told Football Insider.

The Spireites are believed to be one of the frontrunners for the 19-year-old centre-back, who is wanted by multiple EFL clubs.

Port Vale and Doncaster Rovers are also considered two other frontrunners for the Wales Under 21 international.

Thomas featured regularly for Everton’s Under 21s this season, making 28 appearances in all competitions, with his performances clearly attracting the interest of Chesterfield.

The League Two outfit are aiming to win promotion to League One this campaign after losing in this season’s playoff semi-finals to Notts County.

Who is Aled Thomas?

Thomas has been in Everton’s academy since he was seven years old.

The centre-back, who can also play out on the left of defence has now featured regularly for Everton’s academy for the past two seasons.

Thomas also made history at the club back in February 2025, when he became the first player to lead out an Everton side at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as he was made captain for an Under-18s match against Wigan Athletic.

Due to his potential, the Toffees awarded him with his first professional contract last year, and he now has a deal until 2027.

Internationally, he has been a regular for Wales across multiple youth levels and received his first call-up to the Under-21s squad back in March 2026.

How good is Thomas?

For Everton’s academy, Thomas has been a standout player.

According to Fotmob on 6 June, the defender has multiple fantastic stats when playing in the Premier League 2 this season.

Per 90 minutes, he is averaging, 1.92 tackles, 0.66 interceptions, 1.02 blocked shots, 3.42 recoveries and 5.58 clearances.

On top of this, he is also winning 65.6 per cent of his ground duels and 74.3 per cent of his aerial duels.

Therefore, if these stats can be replicated in League Two, he could become a massive asset for Chesterfield if they can win the race to his signature this summer transfer window.

However, it remains to be seen where Thomas will end up, with plenty of twists and turns expected as teams begin preparations for the 2026-27 campaign.