Promising defender Alfie Gilchrist helps bolster Ryan Mason’s defensive ranks following his arrival from Stamford Bridge ahead of transfer deadline day.
While only 21 years of age, the Londoner has bags of experience to call upon from his fledgling career to date, having represented the Blues 17 times, as well as featuring heavily in the 2024/25 season for Sheffield United on loan in the Sky Bet Championship.
Able to play on the right side of defence or at centre-half, Gilchrist signed terms with Chelsea from QPR at Under-11 level, progressing through the youth ranks and lifting the 2021/22 U18 PL Cup before breaking through into the first-team squad in 2023/24.
During that season, the youngster earned his debut in a 2-1 home win over Crystal Palace in December, before making further substitute appearances against Luton, Fulham, Wolves, Burnley and Manchester United.
A first top-flight goal beckoned after coming off the bench to fire home Chelsea’s final one of the game in their 6-0 rout of Everton in April 2024, before notching his full Premier League debut eight days later in a defeat to Arsenal.
The defender would go on to feature against two more London rivals, Spurs and West Ham, as Chelsea finished the 2023/24 campaign in sixth – booking their place in the UEFA Europa Conference League as a result.
The following summer, the former youth skipper and PL2 Player of the Season nominee would head out on loan to Sheffield United for the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign.
Amassing 32 appearances for the Blades, who made it all the way to the Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley, Alfie also managed two assists during his time at Bramall Lane before returning to his parent club.
Following that extensive spell in Yorkshire, alongside his body of work at Stamford Bridge, Gilchrist will be hoping to see his career continue to grow at The Hawthorns under Ryan Mason.