Chelsea confirm new contract for Alfie Gilchrist as Conor Gallagher wait goes on

Chelsea have confirmed that academy graduate Alfie Gilchrist has signed a new contract with the club. The 20-year-old only previously penned a fresh contract at his boyhood club in September 2023.

The deal will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2026 with an option for an extra year. The contract signed in September was only until 2025 with a possible 12-month extension too.

Gilchrist made his first-team debut earlier this season having come through Cobham as one of the standout players in his age group. He has now gone on to make 12 appearances so far, including as a late substitute in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Burnley.

A centre-back by trade, Gilchrist has often been used on the right of a back four this season but also featured against Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round on the left. He started the season in the academy sides before becoming a regular under Mauricio Pochettino.

Gilchrist now has a permanent spot with the senior side at the club's training base in Surrey after being promoted to work with the squad at points last year too. He has already become a fan favourite for his energy and passion during performances.

«Signing this contract at Chelsea is a massive achievement for me and my family,» he said of the announcement. «It was a no-brainer and every time I’ve signed a contract here it has felt nicer and nicer. But now I want to keep on pushing on and keep improving.»

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In a video released by the club he added, «As I was growing up Chelsea meant a lot to me and my family, it was a big part of our lives coming to Stamford Bridge as a