Alfie Gilchrist stance on Leeds United loan from Chelsea shared
Chelsea youngster Alfie Gilchrist would be “open” to a loan move to Leeds United this summer, according to Ben Jacobs.
The journalist wrote via his personal X account [31 May] that Leeds want to sign the 20-year-old defender on a season-long loan from Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Despite emerging as a real talent at Chelsea this season, Gilchrist was only handed two Premier League starts and could be searching for consistent game time at Elland Road.
Speaking via the JustJoe Football Show on Tuesday (11 June), Jacobs said: “Leeds, Preston and Blackburn are the three clubs who have made a formative approach so far.
“To all intents and purposes, Gilchrist would be open to a Leeds move. He’s obviously got great respect, though I know Chelsea and Leeds have their own rivalry. Nonetheless, he would go there, and he would be very willing to fight and try to get promoted.
“The advantage of picking a club like Leeds is that, if it all goes according to plan, it’s that Omari Hutchinson model whereby the best-case scenario is that the player does well, the club goes up and because of Chelsea’s big squad, you might have the opportunity to get something permanent.”
Alfie Gilchrist open to Leeds United loan move
Gilchrist has already proven himself to be a talented full-back, even despite the limited minutes on the pitch, and could become quite the asset at Elland Road.
With the Whites set for multiple exits this summer after missing out on promotion to the Premier League, there is work to be done on making sure the squad is ready for the rigours of another season in the Championship.
In addition to this, Leeds sill have unpaid transfer fees to sort, which may impact on their plans for the summer transfer window, though the lucrative link up with Red Bull should help in that regard.
Considering this, loan moves could be the best way to go ahead of the 2024/25 season, and Gilchrist would be a superb option in the left-back position.
Junior Firpo currently has no challengers at left-back. and the introduction of the Chelsea youngster could push him to perform even better after notching seven assists in the league.
Also, as Jacobs, alludes to, permanent transfers could always be a possibility at the end of the loan spell due to the sheer size of Chelsea’s squad, which would be welcomed if the player helps Leeds secure promotion next season.
In other Leeds United news, a Patrick Bamford exit verdict has been issued involving high wage considerations.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.