Sheffield United can now confirm their seventh signing of the summer as Alfie Gilchrist has put pen to paper to sign on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The 20-year-old will offer plenty of versatility to United’s back line; he can play either as a centre-back or right-back. Despite his age he has already made 11 senior appearances for the Blues, whilst scoring his first Premier League goal towards the back end of last season in a dominant victory over Everton.
Chris Wilder on seventh signing of the summer
Speaking to the club’s official website, Chris Wilder was delighted to unveil the club’s new signing.
“The loan market tends to be one which intensifies later in the window, so we accepted we would have to wait a little longer if we wanted our top targets. Alfie was always one of those players who featured high on our wanted list.
“Everyone in the game is aware of Alfie and his abilities, so our pitch to him, and Chelsea, had to be spot on. There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes to get this deal through, and we’re looking forward to working with a really talented player.
“Alfie’s had a taste of playing at the highest level, and having spoken to him, he’s keen to get more games under his belt. He’s ready to take the next opportunity in his career and we’re delighted to have added him to our squad.”
New Sheffield United signing: Alfie Gilchrist speaks after sealing loan move
Gilchrist has captained Chelsea’s under 18’s as well as their under 23’s so he will bring a sense of leadership to the back line despite being one of the youngest players in the squad.
Speaking to SUTV after sealing his first loan move of his career, Gilchrist exclaimed, “I am really looking forward to it. It is a great opportunity which the club and the manager have given to me. I am just looking forward to getting started. It has always been the plan to showcase what I can do in the Premier League with the chances I’ve had, so now I want to try and do that week in, week out, here.
“This is a new challenge. I am taking myself out of my comfort zone. I’ve been there [at Chelsea] a while now, so I am ready to kick on. I came here last season for an away day, and seeing the fans and how they get behind the team, how much they love it, I was impressed.”
It’s been a busy 24 hours for Sheffield United after announcing Harry Souttar and now Alfie Gilchrist, and the two will be working hard over the next couple of days to make their debuts on Friday evening at Preston North End.
