Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist has agreed a loan move to Sheffield United ahead of the new season.
The 20 year old was left out of Chelsea’s pre-season tour, because the intention was always for him to go on loan somewhere, in order to give him more experience of first-team football.
Gilchrist broke into the Chelsea team last season, making 17 appearances in all competitions, but it has been recognised that his opportunities were likely to be limited under Enzo Maresca in the coming campaign.
Sheffield United, who are attempting to return to the Premier League at the first attempt after being relegated at the end of last season begin life back in the Championship again with a trip away to Preston on Friday night.
From the perspective of Chelsea, it is hoped that Gilchrist returns to them with more experience under his belt, and potentially also as a more saleable commodity.
