Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist has agreed to join Sheffield United on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old, who made 17 appearances for the first team last season, is travelling to Sheffield tonight (Monday) ahead of undergoing a medical tomorrow.
Gilchrist was not taken on Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States because the plan was always for him to go on loan in 2024-25 in order for him to get regular game time.
A number of clubs have expressed an interest over the last few months, including Serie A side Como who are coached by former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, but he is heading to Bramall Lane.
Gilchrist broke into Chelsea’s senior team last season, making his debut against Crystal Palace in December and was regularly picked by former head coach Mauricio Pochettino after that. Gilchrist scored his first goal for the club in a 6-0 win over Everton in April less than two weeks after agreeing a new contract until 2026. That deal also contains an option for another 12 months.
Chelsea believe Gilchrist, who has been at the club since joining the academy as an under-11, will benefit from the experience of playing elsewhere. He has played at right-back and left-back for Chelsea, but prefers to operate as a centre-back.
Sheffield United begin their Championship campaign on Friday with a trip to Preston North End.
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