Leeds United are one of several clubs reportedly interested in the services of Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist this summer.
The Whites, along with Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers, are keen to add the 20-year-old to their ranks ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season. Daniel Farke will be keen to get his business done early to ensure they get off to a fast start after losing the Championship play-off final to Southampton last Sunday.
Gilchrist joined the Blues’ academy 2014 having started his career with Queens Park Rangers. He rose through the academy at the Cobham training centre and was named the club’s academy player of the year following a breakthrough debut season under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino.
He made his senior debut at the end of last year, introduced into the action as a late substitute in a victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. But as the campaign wore on, the 20-year-old was given game time following the Blues’ injury problems.
Gilchrist scored his first goal for his boyhood club in 6-0 thrashing of Everton, with his celebration embodying the passion and joy that would endear the Leeds supporters. He went on to make his senior debut against Arsenal at the Emirates a week later, but was unable to prevent Mikel Arteta’s side cruising to a comfortable victory in front of their home supporters.
The youngster, who can play as a centre-back or right-back, made 17 first-team appearances for Chelsea this season. But with investment from Todd Boehly expected once again in the summer transfer window, it seems likely that first-team opportunities will be hard to come by.
