Alfie Gilchrist

Chelsea Gilchrist joined Chelsea at under-11 level in 2014 and was deployed as a centre-back. He was compared to John Terry and saw him as an idol due to his position and his status as an academy player of Chelsea. He captained the academy team that reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and also won the Under-18 Premier League Cup in 2021–22 season. Gilchrist took over captain duties for the Under-23s in February 2023. He was nominated for the PL2 Player of the Season award in the 2022–23 season.

On 26 May 2023, Gilchrist was named among the substitutes for a Premier League tie with Manchester United. He was included in Chelsea's pre-season tour squad in preparation for the 2023–24 season, and came on as a substitute at half-time in a 5–0 win against Wrexham.

On 19 September 2023, he signed a new contract with the club until June 2025. On 27 December, Gilchrist made his senior debut, subbed-on in stoppage time, in a 2–1 win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Gilchrist's first start for the senior squad came on 6 January 2024, in Chelsea's 4–0 defeat of Preston North End in the FA Cup.

On 2 April 2024, Gilchrist signed a new contract with Chelsea, keeping him at the club until 2026.

On 15 April 2024, after coming on as an 88th-minute substitute for Malo Gusto, Gilchrist scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 6–0 win over Everton.

Loan to Sheffield United On 7 August 2024, Gilchrist was loaned out to Championship side Sheffield United on a season-long deal. He made his debut for the club on 10 August in the league in a 2–0 win against Preston North End. Gilchrist would make 30 appearances in the Championship for Sheffield United, keeping 15 cleansheets as they finished 3rd on 90 points, reaching the play-off final, though Gilchrist wouldn't be in the squad for United's 2–1 loss to Sunderland.

West Bromwich Albion On 29 August 2025, Gilchrist signed for West Bromwich Albion on a four-year contract. Gilchrist made his first appearance for West Brom on 1 October as an 85th-minute substitute in a 1–0 away win against Norwich City.

Leyton Orient (loan) On 11 August 2026, Gilchrist joined League One club Leyton Orient on a season-long loan deal.

Personal life Gilchrist is a boyhood Chelsea fan, as his grandfather and father used to be season ticket holders. He attended Esher Church of England High School in Esher.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2021–22

2022–23

2023–24

Chelsea 2023–24 Premier League

Sheffield United (loan) 2024–25 Championship

2025–26 Championship

2026–27 Championship

13!!0!!2!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!15!!0 Leyton Orient (loan) 2026–27

Individual Chelsea's Academy Player of the Season: 2024