Alfie Gilchrist, a Chelsea academy graduate who has already gained some cult following for his heroic late-game defenses this season, has inked a new deal, the team announced today.
Similar to his previous contract, which he signed in September, this one is also for two years and is now valid through 2026 with a club option for an additional year.
Presumably, he received better terms for the twelve appearances he’s made this season, six of them were in the Premier League than he did for the contract he signed almost six months ago.
Image Source: Chelsea FC
Gilchrist after signing the contract said:
“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.”
One thing that the fans love about the young boy is that he plays with his heart on his sleeve and gives everything for his team and the emblem he carries. He is undoubtedly a very proud Chelsea player.
It’s still unclear whether he can secure a consistent starting position for Chelsea, but it’s excellent news for The Blues fans that his stay at Stamford Bridge has been extended for the time being.
Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added: “It has been a pleasure to see him continue his development within the club by breaking into the first-team squad this season. We are looking forward to seeing him progress further in the years to come.”
Contents
From Academy to First Team: Gilchrist’s Journey at Stamford Bridge
Gilchrist, enrolled in Chelsea’s academy as an Under-11 and progressed through the Cobham age groups.
He established himself as an Under-18s regular during the 2020–21 season. Gilchrist got a professional contract then was voted Scholar of the Year, and captained the team several times.
Gilchrist led the Under-18s to the Premier League Cup the next season and played ten games for the Under-21s.
Last season, he established himself as a regular at that level and assumed captaincy halfway through the season following Bashir Humphreys’ loan departure.
Gilchrist started the season as the Under-21 team’s captain, but by December, he had made a name for himself in Pochettino’s starting lineup. His debut against Crystal Palace followed and Gilchrist has made 11 further appearances.
Loan Possibilities: The Next Step in Gilchrist’s Development
Though for the immediate future, the Chelsea star could go out on loan next season. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea has determined that sending him out on loan will probably be the next step in his development.
The signing of the new deal seems to be a ruse to guarantee his long-term future at the team since the Blues regard him as a key player going forward.
“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,” Romano says.
For more updates, follow Soccer Guider on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
