Chelsea academy graduate Alfie Gilchrist has signed for Championship side West Bromwich Albion, with the Blues getting another sale over the line before deadline day.
The 21-year-old leaves for a fee rising up to £2million with a 20 per cent sell-on fee also included for any future transfer.
He has signed a four-year contract at the Hawthorns.
Gilchrist, who is West Brom’s seventh summer signing, began training with his new team-mates before the deal was officially announced on Friday evening, Daily Mail Sport was told.
After the deal was done, he said: ‘I’m really excited to get going and show everyone what I can do.
‘I played against Albion when I was on loan at Sheffield United last season and both games were really good encounters.
Alfie Gilchrist, 21, has signed for Championship side West Bromwich Albion from Chelsea
West Brom will pay Chelsea a fee rising up to £2m, with a 20 per cent sell-on fee also agreed
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‘I remember the atmospheres being really exciting in both matches and I know Albion have some really talented players who I’m excited to work with now I’m here.
‘I’m 21 and I want to play regular senior football. I feel like I’ll have a good chance of doing that here if I work hard and continue to develop.’
West Brom sporting director Andrew Nestor added: ‘Alfie knows the league well, joining us off the back of a loan in the Championship last season, and has shown consistent improvement.
‘His addition reinforces our defensive positions where we now have a healthy mix of relatively young, but experienced, players combined with those that have great potential. We are excited by our options here and feel all of them are equipped with the right physicality and skill for this division and beyond.’
Managed by Ryan Mason, the Baggies face Stoke City on Saturday.
Previously bigged up as a future star by John Terry, Gilchrist joined Chelsea at Under-11 level.
Club legend Terry said in 2023 when asked by a fan which academy player Chelsea supporters should keep an eye on: ‘Alfie Gilchrist, he’s a really really good player. He’s got an unbelievable attitude. He’s been at the club since the age of eight.
‘He performs so well on a daily basis, does everything right. I think he’s got a good chance.
Chelsea icon John Terry previously tipped Gilchrist to achieve ‘big things’ at Stamford Bridge
‘I think we spoke about the young players going on loan and I think Alfie’s next step is to go on loan next season and then you should see how he does.
‘I’m expecting big things from Alf, expecting him to play hopefully a game or two as the season goes on.
He made 32 appearances during his loan spell in Sheffield.
Gilchrist leaves Chelsea having appeared 17 times for the first team, having been named academy player of the season in 2024.
