"We couldn't ignore him" - Ma'kel Campbell joins Chester on permanent deal
Phil Parkinson knew he had to find a way to make trialist part of squad
Chester have completed the permanent signing of triallist Ma’kel Campbell.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Blues at the start of pre-season having left Morecambe at the start of the summer and has impressed during his appearances against Vauxhall Motors, Fleetwood Town, Warrington Town and Stoke City.
Campbell, who came through academy systems at Arsenal, Fulham and Peterborough United, has impressed Chester manager Phil Parkinson, who had intimated earlier in the week during a conversation with The Seal that the exciting youngster was someone who they wanted to add permanently.
The only sticking point on getting a deal done was that the Blues were close to budget, but additional funds have been found to bring the London-born right-footer Campbell, who made nine National League appearances for the Shrimps in 2025/26, to the Deva Community Stadium.
Campbell, who had been a player to have caught the eye of Blues fans during pre-season with his creativity, skill and pace, is a player who fits the profile of player who Parkinson had wanted to bring into the club, the likes of Jefferson Abreu, Kofi Moore and Jack Kenny.
With the club having transitioned to a full-time training environment, although contracts remain at 44 weeks not 52, Parkinson is hoping that greater contact time with the players, and with a support staff in place, will aid development and provide a platform for younger players to thrive and continue on an upward trajectory, potentially turning that into financial gain for the football club further on down the line that can be reinvested into growing the squad and the club.
“The truth is, Ma’kel wasn’t a player I expected to be talking about a few weeks ago,” said Parkinson, speaking to club media.
“But football has a habit of presenting opportunities, and when he walked through the door, he made sure we couldn’t ignore him.
“From his very first session, he showed exactly what we’re looking for. Energy, quality, versatility, pace, bravery on the ball, and above all, a real desire to improve. He’s embraced every challenge we’ve put in front of him during his trial period, and I think everyone connected with the club has seen the attributes he can bring to this squad.
“His performances made the decision an easy one. He was a player worth fighting for, and one I wanted to take to the board to see if we could make something happen.
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to get the deal done.
“Ma’kel is young, ambitious and desperate to prove a point. Those are the types of people we want at Chester. Players who are prepared to work, develop and put the team first while chasing their own ambitions at the same time.
“I’m looking forward to working with him this season. I believe Chester is the right environment for him to continue his development, and if we can align his individual goals with our collective ambition, I’m confident he’ll have a really positive impact.”
Earlier today the Blues signed goalkeeper Alex Brown to a one-year deal, with academy graduates Connor Murphy, Harry Deakin and Dan Kennedy all penning their first senior deals with the club.
2 year contract?
Really impressed me against Stoke. He is certainly a handfull. His style reminds me of Euan but I think he is quicker and a bit more skillfull.