A promising prospect from Manchester City’s academy is set to return to the Premier League club after facing challenges in gaining professional experience during his loan at League Two side Chesterfield.
Will Dickson, who signed scholarship terms with City in 2021, made a significant impact by scoring 19 goals for the Under-18 team that clinched the league title three seasons ago. In July 2023, the 21-year-old was rewarded with a professional contract at the Etihad Stadium.
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As a member of one of the world’s leading football academies, Dickson aspires to emulate the success of players like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, who have made names for themselves at Manchester City and Chelsea, respectively.
The talented forward has been on loan at Chesterfield since the end of August, where he has managed to score one goal and provide an assist in 13 appearances across all competitions. However, concerns about his future at the club have arisen recently.
His most notable moment of the season came against Newport County, where he scored a stunning goal in a 4-1 victory, showcasing his ability by running from deep, cutting inside, and placing a low shot into the net.
Yet, since that highlight, he has struggled to secure regular playing time, and his loan stint is expected to conclude on January 5, as reported by the Derbyshire Times. Discussions regarding the next steps for Dickson are anticipated, and it’s likely that he will move on from Chesterfield.
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This season, the striker has made three starts in the EFL Trophy but has had limited action in League Two, with his last start occurring during a 6-2 defeat at Colchester United in October.
Originally from Liverpool, Dickson is recognized as a versatile striker who has consistently found the back of the net since joining City in 2015. After signing his scholarship four years ago, he advanced to the Elite Development Squad for the 2023/24 season, where he netted 18 goals in 38 appearances.
An injury early in the following campaign raised questions about his resilience, but he persevered and became a key player for the EDS squad, contributing five goals in 12 matches before embarking on his first loan to Scottish Premiership club Motherwell in January.
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Dickson gained valuable experience during his time in Scotland, making seven appearances, although he primarily came off the bench, totaling just 124 minutes on the pitch.
While Chesterfield has offered a step up in intensity compared to Motherwell, it seems his current loan spell is nearing its end. However, it’s likely that another loan opportunity will arise, allowing him to gain further experience and better prepare him for the top levels of the game.