As Chelsea fans, we’ve seen our fair share of loan moves over the years. They’re so hard to predict – some that look perfect don’t work out, and some that look like a potential disaster go well. In the case of Alfie Gilchrist’s switch to Sheffield United however, a move that looked a sure fire winner has proved to be just that.
A big, strong committed defender who had already shown he had plenty of ability in his cameos for Chelsea last season, heading to a Blades team looking ready to dominate in the Championship.
🔴⚪️ Alfie Gilchrist has attracted interest from Premier League clubs for permanent transfer in January.
However, both Chelsea and player side see staying at Sheffield United until June as best option. pic.twitter.com/ap9iRz642R
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 28, 2024
It’s no surprise that today we heard Fabrizio Romano claiming that Premier League teams are sniffing around him ahead of a January window where they’d like to buy him permanently. A team like Wolves, desperately battling relegation and in need of some solidity at the back, would be a perfect candidate.
A little patience will do wonders for Gilchrist’s prospects
But according to Romano, it’s no dice for any of these offers. Chelsea and Gilchrist both think that he’s best served staying put in the Steel City until the end of the season. To us, that makes total sense. He’s playing well and playing regularly, he’s on course for perhaps the Championship title, automatic promotion, or at least the playoffs.
By staying put, he likely only improves the offers that he and Chelsea get in the summer. That means bigger teams, more money, and a bigger transfer fee.
We will be sad to see him go, but with no obvious gap in the first team at the moment, cashing in while his stock is high seems the obvious move for the sporting structure to make here.
It also saves Gilchrist the possibility of making the move to a team like Wolves, only to be relegated and end up back in the Championship next year. By staying put, he should have a few more tempting options to pick from in the summer.
