The 21-year-old right back departed the Stamford Bridge club after making 17 appearances in the first team.
He broke into the first team squad and made Premier League appearances - even getting himself on the scoresheet.
Last season he was sent out on loan to Sheffield United - and turned out more than 30 times for the Blades in what was his first move away from the West London club.
The end of his association with Stamford Bridge and [his £1.2m switch to West Brom came last week](https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2025/08/29/west-brom-make-seventh-summer-signing-as-chelsea-right-back-completes-12m-move/) and was followed by a number of messages from current and ex-Chelsea players, including from legend and former captain John Terry.
In a post on Instagram, Terry commented saying: "Good luck mate", with the ex-Chelsea skipper having spent time coaching in the Blues' academy.
It seems Gilchrist's stock had been high within the youth system at Stamford Bridge throughout his time there.
He captained the under 23 side at the age of 18 - and led the club to the FA Youth Cup last four.
He spent a lot of his early Chelsea days as a centre back, before more recently becoming a right back.
And for some at Chelsea he was seen as potentially being the 'next John Terry'.
In an interview in 2021 - Chelsea scout Sean Conlon heaped praise on the young defender and said: "Alfie Gilchrist, he’s the Chelsea Under-23s captain. He’s only 18 but he could be the next John Terry, he’s a really good player.
“I’m a huge fan of his. I coached him and spent a lot of time with him. I’m hoping he goes on to do big things. At 18 he’s captain of the Under-23s and I think he’s got great promise."
The praise in the past that underlined Gilchrist's qualities don't stop there.
Terry himself also gave his assessment of the Albion new boy in an interview back in 2023.
His 'unbelievable attitude', was something that stood out to Terry, who said: "Alfie Gilchrist, he's a really really good player. He's got an unbelievable attitude. He's been at the club since the age of eight.
"He performs so well on a daily basis, does everything right. I think he's got a good chance.
"I think we spoke about the young players going on loan and I think Alfie's next step is to go on loan next season and then you should see how he does.
"I'm expecting big things from Alf, expecting him to play hopefully a game or two as the season goes on."