The news that Alfie Gilchrist had signed a new contract was a rare positive in a pretty bleak week for Chelsea fans.
Fabrizio Romano has followed up today with exclusive information in his column for Caughtoffside which claims that the defender, who has played at left back, centre back and right back in his 12 senior appearances for us this season, could go on loan to continue his development next season:
“Next season it is possible that the defender will go out on loan, internal talks are still taking place over this but for sure Chelsea believe that he’s an important talent to develop for the future, Romano wrote.
“That’s why the West London club wanted to make sure his contract situation was 100% sorted with a good salary and why they decided to proceed with offering Gilchrist a new deal. The player is super happy about this latest contract as he loves Chelsea and will try to make steps forward within the club over the coming years.”
We assumed when he signed the new deal that it would be to replace Trevoh Chalobah in our defence as a sort of homegrown utility defender, able to fit in as a late game sub across the back line, and even start games in the cups.
But clearly for his development that’s not as useful as a full campaign out on loan – we just need to make sure the destination is well chosen. The majority of our loans this season have been somewhere between disappointing and disaster, and we can’t afford another year of that. We have about 10 men behind the scenes who are sporting directors, technical directors, loan managers and all the rest. Surely one of them can get it right this time?
Chalobah developed beyond all expectations while out on loan, and we can only hope that Gilchrist enjoys the same success. One question we’re left with is – if Chalobah is sold and Gilchrist goes on loan, and Thiago Silva leaves on a free… where is our central defensive depth next season?
