Chelsea academy kid Alfie Gilchrist set to join Sheffield United on loan for the 2024/25 campaign
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist has chosen to join Championship side Sheffield United on loan for the 2024-25 campaign.
The youngster, who penned a new contract until 2026 earlier this year, was not included in new head coach Enzo Maresca’s pre-season squad and he is now on the verge of leaving the club on loan. He had many loan proposals on the table from the Championship, including Preston North End, but has made up his mind to join Sheffield United.
On his official X account, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Alfie Gilchrist has chosen Sheffield United as a loan option. The 20-year-old versatile defender will undergo a medical and sign his contract with the Blades on Tuesday.
“EXCL: Chelsea talent Alfie Gilchrist has chosen Sheffield United as loan option,” Romano tweeted.
“Medical and signature to be completed on Tuesday — here we go.”
Gilchrist, who has come through the club’s youth system, made his senior debut for the Blues this past season. It came in Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Crystal Palace back in December. He went on to make 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring a goal which came in the 6-0 drubbing of Everton at Stamford Bridge.
A central defender by trade, the young gun featured at right-back in his first senior season at Chelsea. However, he could be deployed in different roles across the backline by Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder, who often plays with a back three system. So, there is every chance of Gilchrist playing as a right-sided defender in a back three or as a wing-back on either side for the Championship side under Wilder, depending on many factors.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Reece James and Malo Gusto as senior options at centre-back and right-back. With the Italian tactician spoilt for choices in defence, joining the Blades for a dry one-year loan spell could be good for Gilchrist’s development.
Having finished at the bottom of the Premier League table and subsequently being relegated at the end of last season, Wilder and Co. will be desperate to return to the top flight at the first time of asking. To cover 46 games in the Championship as well as domestic cup fixtures, they need great squad depth.
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Gilchrist, therefore, would be a smart option for the Yorkshire outfit. At 20, the defender should be getting regular minutes and experience to continue his ascend in the game. He could get plenty of that at Bramall Lane, whilst earning valuable experience of competing in the fast-paced and physical nature of Championship football.
Let’s hope our academy kid does well for Sheffield United and plays a key role in their bid for promotion.
