Chelsea have confirmed that Alfie Gilchrist has completed his loan move to Championship outfit Sheffield United.
It was reported earlier this week that Gilchrist had agreed to join the Blades on loan and the defender wasn’t included in the squad for Chelsea’s pre-season tour of America.
The Blues returned home from America on Wednesday afternoon following a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday which left them with one win from five matches.
Gilchrist completes Sheffield United loan move
Outgoings have been slow this summer and Chelsea have a number of players they are looking to move on whether on loan or a permanent basis.
Gilchrist falls into that category, but the Blues have now sorted a loan move for the 20-year-old and The Athletic have reported he trained with his new team-mates on Wednesday morning.
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The report adds that Chelsea feel Gilchrist will benefit from the experience of playing elsewhere, with the Championship a great division for youngsters to cut their teeth in.
A loan move makes perfect sense given the fierce competition for places in Chelsea’s defence and playing regularly and getting that exposure to senior football is going to be hugely beneficial for his development.
The defender had a breakthrough season under Mauricio Pochettino making 17 appearances and scored his first goal for the club in the 6-0 win against Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Gilchrist, who came through the ranks at Chelsea signed a new deal with the club until 2026 with the option of a further 12 months earlier this year and the loan deal contains no buy option.
The academy graduate, who has been with the Blues since the age of 11 and prefers to play centrally but can also operate at both left and right back becomes the latest Chelsea youngster to complete a loan move after Andrey Santos returned to sister club Strasbourg.