West Brom have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign defender Alfie Gilchrist on a permanent deal, according to Ben Jacobs.
West Brom have made a strong start to the 2025/26 Championship campaign, as the Baggies currently sit fourth after three games. WBA’s ambitions will be to challenge for promotion, though will face strong competition.
New Baggies boss Ryan Mason is taking on his first senior role in management, though has managed his side to two wins and a draw in the league so far. Victories have come over Blackburn Rovers and Wrexham, whilst Portsmouth held Mason’s men to a draw last Saturday.
WBA - West Brom boss Ryan Mason looks on
Image courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.
Since the club’s relegation from the Premier League in the 2020/21 campaign, WBA have only reached the Championship play-offs once, though their business so far this summer should hold them in good stead for a promotion push.
To add to their business, reports are now stating that West Brom have agreed a fee with Chelsea in order to sign full-back Alfie Gilchrist on a permanent deal.
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Ben Jacobs has stated that a £2m fee plus add-ons has been agreed, with a medical taking place on Friday morning.
Alfie Gilchrist an exciting addition for West Brom
West Brom’s acquisition of Alfie Gilchrist highlights their intent for the season ahead, as the full-back’s credentials strong for the division.
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Last term, the 21-year-old spent the season out on loan with eventual play-off finalists Sheffield United, alongside having played across the back end of 2023/24 in the Premier League for Chelsea.
Club/League Appearances
Sheffield United 32
Chelsea 17
Chelsea U21’s 47
Premier League 11
Championship 30
Gilchrist made 27 starts in the second-tier for the Blades last season, though the later end of his campaign was hindered by an ankle injury. He also provided two assists in the league, operating predominantly on the right of a back four.
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Alfie Gilchrist - heading for West Brom - challenges Joe Gelhardt
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
A defensive revamp at West Brom
So far this window, West Brom have seen the majority of their business involve defensive players, as six defenders have departed the club this summer and four have arrived.
One of the recent WBA departures has been long-standing right-back Darnell Furlong, who has left the club after six years of service, joining Championship rivals Ipswich Town. Subsequently, the Baggies have been left with no other natural right-back options, meaning the addition of Gilchrist is pivotal prior to Saturday’s clash with high-flying Stoke City.
Other incomings across the backline have seen experienced duo Nat Phillips and Krystian Bielik join the club, Phillips for a reported £3m fee, whilst Bielik has set WBA back £1m. American international George Campbell has also added to the West Brom ranks, joining from Montreal in the MLS. These additions replace the likes of Semi Ajayi, Torbjorn Heggem and Kyle Bartley.
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