Here’s everything you need to know about Alfie Gilchrist, the Chelsea defender linked with a summer transfer to Leeds United.
Leeds are preparing for another season in the Championship, with plans being put into place for promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
Daniel Farke will be looking to improve upon his squad options for the coming campaign, with plenty of transfer activity expected.
The Leeds boss could be set to lose a few big names in the summer window, but there are potential signings on the cards too.
One of those touted with a move is Chelsea youngster Alfie Gilchrist, who could be set for a loan move to Elland Road this summer.
So with that said, here’s everything you need to know about Leeds United transfer target Alfie Gilchrist.
Alfie Gilchrist age and height
Alfie Gilchrist was born on November 28th, 2003, which makes him 20 years old at the time of writing and just at the start of his professional footballing career.
The youngster is approximately 1.83 metres in height, or six foot and zero inches tall, which adds a relatively tall presence to the team.
Alfie Gilchrist position
Coming through the Chelsea academy, Gilchrist has often played as a defender before breaking into the first-team.
With the Blues, the 20-year-old has played as both a centre-back and a right-back, adding plenty of versatility to the backline.
What is Alfie Gilchrist’s style of play?
One of the main points to note about Gilchrist is his combative style of play as he doesn’t shy away from a big challenge if needed.
The defender is right-footed and more than comfortable on the ball, with his height and style also drawing comparisons to Thiago Silva and John Terry.
It is still early in the starlet’s career though, with just 17 appearances made at senior level for Chelsea last season.
Who does Gilchrist support?
Gilchrist revealed in an interview with the Chelsea programme back in January 2024 that he was a lifelong supporter of the club he plays for, thanks to his family ties.
He said: “My grandad and my dad used to have season tickets. They used to go all the time, and my aunty used to go with them as well sometimes.
“So I obviously support Chelsea as well. I remember watching the Champions League final – the first time we won it – in my uncle’s living room. That was a good memory.
“Actually, my dad had a Football Manager game, or whatever it was called back then, and before I was even born, he made a player called ‘Alfie Gilchrist’, who played for Chelsea.
“He had chosen the name and everything, and he played with that character – as me – at Chelsea. So it’s crazy how it’s come to life.”
Alfie Gilchrist to Leeds United transfer
With links appearing over a potential loan move for Gilchrist, Leeds have been one of the names appearing frequently.
Speaking in June, journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that the defender would be open to joining The Whites in the summer.
He said on the Just Joe Football Show: “The feeling is he [Gilchrist] will be loaned out to a Championship club, that’s the plan and the player’s intent.
“It’s very unlikely in the position he plays that Chelsea will think otherwise, the only question mark is when in the window as sometimes clubs like Chelsea want to take the player over to pre-season first.
“I am sure in the coming weeks he will end up at a Championship club, but it might be more like late July or early August because of what I said.
“You’ve got Leeds, Preston and Blackburn as the clubs who have made a formative approach.
“To all intents and purposes, Gilchrist would be open to a Leeds move. He has great respect, Chelsea and Leeds have a great rivalry but nonetheless, he would go there.
“He would be very willing to help Leeds fight and get promoted.”
Cole Palmer verdict on Gilchrist
Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer has given plenty of praise to Gilchrist since he has come into the first-team.
Speaking after a 6-0 thrashing of Everton, the attacking playmaker told the official Chelsea website: “Everyone was buzzing for him [Gilchrist]. Obviously, he has been at Chelsea for his whole life. He has trained with us and put 100 per cent in every day.”