Chelsea starlet agrees new contract ahead of potential January exit

Chelsea starlet Alfie Gilchrist has reportedly agreed a new contract that is set to keep him at the club until June 2025. 

The 19-year-old is one of the most talented players to have come out of the Blues academy. 

He impressed with his performances for the Under-21s in the 2022-23 season, starting 22 matches in the Premier League 2. 

The youngster’s excellent displays saw him nominated for the PL2 Player of the Season award.  

Gilchrist is yet to make his competitive debut at Stamford Bridge but has been part of the first-team squad a couple of times. 

He was an unused substitute on Sunday as Mauricio Pochettino’s side played out a goalless draw at Bournemouth, available to watch via Premier League live streams.

Chelsea rate the young defender very highly and so they have decided to tie him down to a new deal, per the Evening Standard. 

The 19-year-old reportedly attracted huge interest from Sheffield United in the summer transfer window. 

The Blades wanted to secure a permanent transfer but the West Londoners were not ready to part with their player. 

However, they may be open to let the centre-back leave on loan when the transfer window reopens in January. 

There is no doubt that Gilchrist has a lot of potential but he isn’t ready for the first-team yet. 

And this season, he is unlikely to find a lot of opportunities at Stamford Bridge, with Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana all ahead of him in the pecking order. 

A loan move in January would be perfect for the defender’s development.