Defender leaves Chelsea on a season loan move

Chelsea Football Club have confirmed the exit of Alfie Gilchrist on a season-long-term deal to the Championship side, Sheffield United until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Alfie Gilchrist joined the Blues when he was the age of 11, became the captain of the Chelsea U-21 team, and made his senior debut after coming off the bench against Crystal Palace in December 2023. He later went on to make 16 senior appearances for the Blues before he scored his debut goal in a 6-0 victory over Everton.

The manager of Sheffield United, Chris Wilder expressed his delight concerning the club's decision to sign the defender from Chelsea. According to reports, Gilchrist's decision too join the Blades is a good decision for the young player.

He said,

"Alfie was always one of the players who featured high on our wanted list. Everyone in the game is aware of Alfie and his abilities, so our pitch to him, and Chelsea, had to be spot on. There's been a lot of work behind the scenes to get this deal through, and we're looking forward to working with a really talented player."

A loan move makes perfect sense for the young defender following the fierce competition for places in Chelsea’s defence playing regularly and getting that exposure to senior football is going to be hugely beneficial for his development ahead of the 2025/26 season.

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