Chelsea are going through a tough period of time, but they have one good news after a while. They have seen academy player Alfie Gilchrist become a regular player in recent weeks, and fans have become happy with his rapid development and inclusion in the first team.
The Blues are also changing their transfer strategy, as they have to sell some players to raise some significant funds. Amidst all this confusion, they are ready to promote more and more of their academy players to be involved in the first team. And now they have taken an important decision regarding Gilchrist.
Alfie Gilchrist signs new deal with Chelsea
Alfie Gilchrist is the latest graduate from Chelsea’s famous academy, and the youngster has made quite an impact. His performances for them have made him quite noticed, and the club decided to give him a new and better contract. The new contract will last until June 2026, showing the club’s intent to trust in him for their future.
Gilchrist had only signed his previous contract back in September last year, which was also a two-year contract. There is also an option to extend the contract by another year if the club wants to. The new contract will also see Gilchrist being given better wages due to his improved performances for the club. The defender has seen himself get more minutes so far this season, with 12 appearances in total. Six of those came as substitutes in the Premier League.
🚨🔵 Chelsea have agreed terms for new deal with Alfie Gilchrist, all done and set to be signed.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 2, 2024
Agreement until June 2026 with option for further year, as @Matt_Law_DT reported. pic.twitter.com/FQze674aql
Gilchrist was happy as he signed the contract and 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.”
Chelsea coaches laud Alfie Gilchrist’s academy career
Alfie Gilchrist has always been a brilliant player since his academy days, and even his academy coaches knew it. The club’s former U-18 coach, Ed Brand, said, “You will never hear anyone question the character of Alfie Gilchrist. He loves his football, he loves the club and he gives his all every single day. He is a pleasure to work with.”
Gilchrist joined the club’s academy at the age of just 11 from Queens Park Rangers. He gradually grew through their ranks, and was also captain of many of those teams. He was often compared to Chelsea legend John Terry, and he considers him his idol.
Fantastic to see Alfie Gilchrist extended until 2026!
— Tom Overend (@tovers98) April 2, 2024
Really exciting prospect this season 🔵🔥 pic.twitter.com/TEcydTTSga
Gilchrist was an unused player in the squad last season, and was included in their pre-season tour this season. He made his debut in December against Crystal Palace and made his first start in the FA Cup in January. We can only expect better things from him in the next weeks, especially since he signed a new contract.
Chelsea will next face Manchester United on Friday, and Alfie Gilchrist will hope to make an impact in the crucial game.
