North Derbyshire: Rafiq Lamptey joins Chesterfield on season-long loan from Millwall

By Evelyn Mensah — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

Chesterfield Football Club has announced the signing of midfielder Rafiq Lamptey on a season-long loan deal from EFL Championship side Millwall. The 19-year-old joins the Spireites after a trial period that included playing in a 2-2 pre-season draw against a Bohemians XI in Dublin.

Lamptey has been part of the Lions’ U21 setup since the 2024/25 season. His move to Chesterfield is aimed at gaining experience in senior football, providing an additional option for manager Paul Cook’s midfield.

Lamptey’s arrival and ambitions

Upon joining the club, Lamptey expressed his satisfaction, stating that he had been in discussions with the manager for about a week and had travelled to Dublin to observe the squad. He noted that the team, manager, coaches, and even the owners had welcomed him, making him feel like a part of the club. He emphasized that after speaking with the manager, he immediately knew he wanted to be at Chesterfield.

Lamptey also outlined what supporters can expect from his play, promising “lots of tackles” and a combination of composure on the ball with aggression. He committed to giving his all every time he steps onto the pitch.

The midfielder comes from a footballing family, with his older brother, Tariq Lamptey, currently playing for QPR after previous stints with Brighton and Fiorentina. Rafiq highlighted the significant benefit of having his brother’s guidance, mentioning that they speak daily and he often seeks advice and pointers when needed. He described this connection as “perfect” and “brilliant.”

Trial success and club perspective

Lamptey’s trial with Chesterfield was brief but successful, culminating in his season-long loan. He had previously featured for Millwall in matches against CD Eldense and Gillingham earlier in the month. Chesterfield assistant manager Danny Webb confirmed that Lamptey had spent some time with the club and had impressed during his appearance in Ireland.

Webb noted that the observant fans would have seen Lamptey play in Ireland the previous week. He added that Lamptey quickly settled into the group, and the club was pleased with his performance, leading to the season-long agreement. Webb views the loan as mutually beneficial, providing Lamptey with valuable experience and bringing a motivated player to Chesterfield who is eager for a successful season.

Lamptey was reportedly expected to be on the periphery of Millwall’s first-team squad last season, having signed a new long-term contract the previous summer. However, a knee injury sidelined him until January. His senior debut for Millwall came in the FA Cup against Burnley, where he appeared as a substitute in a 5-1 loss in the Third Round. He was subsequently included in three match-day squads during the final months of the campaign.

Lamptey will be competing for a central midfield position in League Two. He is set to turn 20 next month and is under a long-term contract with Millwall, making the loan move crucial for his development in first-team football. He previously missed out on a scholarship while at Watford during his younger years but later proved his worth with Millwall’s U21s, earning a long-term contract last year.

Lamptey is Chesterfield’s second loan signing, joining Leyton Orient forward Josh Koroma for the 2026/27 season. The club has also brought in eight permanent signings this summer, including Junior Eccleston, Alfie Pond, Jack Simpson, George McEachran, Ruel Sitiriou, Remeau Hutton, Danny Anisjko, and Fraser Bryden, who recently joined from Crusaders in Ireland.