Alfie Gilchrist has just signed a new contract at Chelsea after a massive past few months with the West London side. With potential to become another one of the club's academy greats, things are currently looking brilliant for the 20-year-old Gilchrist.
The academy graduate was born in Kingston-upon-Thames, the same town as fellow Premier League stars Declan Rice and Luke Shaw. He joined Chelsea from Queens Park Rangers in 2014. Gilchrist hails from a family of big Chelsea fans and there is no doubt this has played a part in his development at the club.
Gilchrist was named Chelsea Under-21s captain last season upon the loan departure of Bashir Humphreys and he made 22 appearances in the Premier League 2. He was nominated for the PL2 Player of the Season award having contributed to six clean sheets on his way to helping his side finish third in the league.
Toward the end of last season, he was named on the bench for Chelsea's trip to Manchester United. He then travelled to the United States as part of the Blues' pre-season squad and made his non-competitive debut in a 5-0 win over Wrexham.
His first senior appearance for Chelsea came in December 2023 when he came on as a substitute in a Premier League game against Crystal Palace. Since his debut, he has become a mainstay in matchday squads. He made his first Chelsea start in a 4-0 FA Cup win over Preston North End.
He has since made six Premier League appearances and has appeared 12 times in all competitions. Gilchrist signed a new contract this month which will keep him at the club until 2026, with an option to extend a further year.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported that Chelsea are looking at a potential loan move for Gilchrist for next season in order for him to gain valuable first team experience.
🚨🔵 Understand Chelsea are planning with potential loan for Alfie Gilchrist next season after new deal agreed.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 3, 2024
Player and club agree on important season ahead as regular starter to improve and then return to #CFC. pic.twitter.com/Ap1nTBfPYi
Having been dubbed the "next John Terry" by many Chelsea and football fans alike, Gilchrist no doubt has potential to go very far at his boyhood club. Terry has even acknowledged the young defender's brilliance and feels he will be the next star to come out of Chelsea's academy.
With a potential loan move under his belt next season, there is no doubt that Gilchrist will earn the valuable first team experience he needs to fully break into the Chelsea team. As shown by fellow academy graduates such as Conor Gallagher and Reece James, loan moves have been very valuable for the Blues' academy stars. If all goes well, Alfie Gilchrist will certainly be Chelsea's next superstar.