Chelsea have agreed a new contract with Alfie Gilchrist, the youth academy defender who has made a breakthrough this season to become a first team squad option.
20 year old Gilchrist got his debut in the depths of our winter injury crisis, and has maintained his place as an emergency starter in the centre or in both full back positions, as well as a fairly regular late game sub for Mauricio Pochettino when he’s looking to see out games with a narrow lead.
Matt Law exclusively reports that a new long term deal to tie the academy product to the club has been agreed, and just now needs to be signed and announced.
With Trevoh Chalobah still looking likely to leave the club in the summer, this likely means Gilchrist will step up to fill his role as the home grown utility man able to fill in across the back line.
Pochettino has already shown great faith in his abilities, and we look forward to seeing Gilchrist make more progress next year. His all action style and shaved head are reminiscent of a young John Terry, and he’s already begun working his way into fans’ affections in a similar way, putting in some crunching tackles and screaming at his teammates with amazing confidence for a young player without much experience.
UPDATE:
Chelsea have now announced the deal on their website, adding the detail that it’s a two year contract, with a club option for a third year included.
“Signing this contract at Chelsea is a massive achievement for me and my family. It was a no-brainer and every time I’ve signed a contract here it has felt nicer and nicer. But now I want to keep on pushing on and keep improving,” Gilchrist said.