Alfie Gilchrist participated in Chelsea first team training before Manchester United game. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
19-year-old centre-back Alfie Gilchrist has inked a long-term contract at Chelsea amid interest from many Premier League clubs. The youngster was on the bench against Bournemouth.
According to the Evening Standard, (h/t Metro), the youngsters have agreed to sign a deal until 2025, warding off interest from Sheffield United over the summer window.
However, Chelsea are open to sending the centre-back on loan once the January transfer window opens for him to get senior-level experience in the Premier League. Gilchrist was on the bench in Chelsea’s 0-0 draw against Bournemouth but was an unused substitute as the Blues search for a win continues.
The 19-year-old is already making his name at youth level after he was awarded the Premier League 2 Player of the Year award last season and is currently Chelsea U21 captain.
His talent has certainly been recognised by Mauricio Pochettino, which is why he was on the bench against South Coast, but soon we will see him make his senior debut.
For now, it looks unlikely he will get enough game time for the senior side considering the club is in poor form and regardless of growing injuries, but when the time is right, he may get a chance.
The Blues currently have adequate defenders, and Gilchrist could have played against Bournemouth had the score been in our favour. He has obviously benefited from his performance, so hopefully he will continue it for the youth team. This year, though, it might be pretty hard for him to make his senior team debut because the Blues seem disjointed and Pochettino would want to form a competitive squad that includes first-team players first.
The teenager will benefit more from a loan move in January because he will play for a senior team, but it depends on which club he joins from which league — if we consider that avenue, that is. For now, he could prove to be a good backup in case a couple of defenders join Wesley Fofana on the sidelines.
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