Chelsea defender set to leave Stamford Bridge – Southampton, Middlesbrough and West Brom should pounce
The reopening of the summer transfer window is just around the corner, as clubs across the Championship aim to bolster their squads.
The second tier is set to be another enthralling campaign, with the likes of Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town all vying to make it back to the big time at the first attempt, while Birmingham City, Wrexham and Charlton Athletic enter the fold for 2025-26.
As expected, summer transfer links are rampant, and one player who is expected to generate significant interest is defender Alfie Gilchrist.
After spending last season on loan with play-off runners-up Sheffield United, the Chelsea man is reportedly set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, and many Championship sides are bound to be interested in securing his services.
| Alfie Gilchrist’s 2024/25 Championship stats –Â Fotmob | |
| Appearances | 30 |
| Starts | 27 |
| Minutes played | 2,116′ |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass accuracy | 82.2% |
| Dribble success | 42.4% |
| Duels won | 54.6% |
With this in mind, FLW lists three Championship sides who should pounce for the 21-year-old.
Southampton
One side who could make a move for Alfie Gilchrist this summer is newly-relegated Southampton, who return to the Championship aiming to bounce back to the big time at the first attempt under Will Still.
The right-back position could well be an area to address heading into the transfer window, with Kyle Walker-Peters mooted to be making a Saints exit as the likes of Leeds United, West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton all monitor the situation.
From this, Southampton will have only Yukinari Sugawara and James Bree in the full-back department, and both have really struggled to make a positive impact since moving to St Mary’s.
A move for a younger and hungrier defender might be the play to make in order to cope with the strenuous demands of a 46-game campaign, with Gilchrist thriving on his defensive capabilities as well as looking to add more attacking contributions through the early stages of his career.
Gilchrist could significantly develop in a set-up that is winning regularly and fighting towards the top end of the second tier table.
On a free transfer, it would be a risk-free signing to make.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough are also likely to be in need of a new right-back this summer as Anfernee Dijksteel prepares to exit the club this summer.
Boro are still on the hunt for Michael Carrick’s successor after parting company with the former Manchester United midfielder, with a new coach needing to be appointed so players can be recruited to fit their style of play.
The Teesside outfit have been linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Kaine Kesler-Hayden in recent times, but as Coventry City remain in the driving seat to secure that transfer, Alfie Gilchrist could be an alternative option for them to pursue.
Boro will definitely need depth and fresher legs, as Luke Ayling will be the only other figure in that position once Dijksteel departs, so Gilchrist will be able to take on the responsibility of playing for the majority of the season and developing into a player that is dependable at both ends of the pitch.
Middlesbrough have had a knack in recent times of allowing young talent to blossom in the second tier, and Gilchrist could be attracted to that prospect ahead of the 2025-26 season.
West Brom
The final team who should be placing Alfie Gilchrist on their list of targets is West Brom, who require depth in the full-back positions under new boss Ryan Mason.
For multiple seasons, the Baggies have failed to have adequate competition for Darnell Furlong, but the Black Country outfit have been very fortunate that the former QPR man has managed to keep himself fit and available for the majority of Championship games.
As he gets older, you do wonder when such an impressive streak will come to an end, and Mason will surely be hoping to be afforded the luxury of rotating his squad throughout hectic parts of the upcoming campaign.
Again, Gilchrist has youth on his side, with his pace, concentration and positioning keeping the Baggies backline resolute should he make the move.
With Albion also waving goodbye to the likes of Semi Ajayi and Mason Holgate, Gilchrist could occupy a place in central defence should he be required, with his versatility to play in multiple roles something West Brom would surely be interested in.
