Phil Sumbler
The transfer window may not yet open until 14th June but the speculation and links are well underway with the news that Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist is linked with a loan move to SA1.
The Swans are said to be one of the Championship sides interested in a loan move for Gilchrist who was named the Chelsea Academy Player of the Year at last season’s end of year awards.
Gilchrist has started and scored for Chelsea already in the Premier League and his award at the end of the season is an award also picked up in the past by the likes of Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount and Dominic Solanke.
He made his Chelsea debut in the penultimate game of 2023, coming on as a substitute near the end of a home win against Crystal Palace. Having done the same in the next game at Luton, he was given his first start against Preston in the third round of the FA Cup. He played an hour at right-back in a clean-sheet win.
With further regular substitute appearances following, and starts in the FA Cup versus Aston Villa and Leeds, at the start of April 2024 Gilchrist signed a new contract until 2026, with a further one-year option.
Later in the month, he scored his first goal for the men’s first team, drilling in a shot to complete a 6-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
A first Premier League start soon followed, away at Arsenal.
It was reported last week as well that Leeds United were also interested in Gilchrist who was expected to be available for loan in the summer as Chelsea look to develop the player further although the appointment of Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge could mean a change in that thinking. Preston and Blackburn are also said to be interested as speculation increases.
It is certainly the case that Gilchrist will attract interest this summer and the Swans need to strengthen in defensive areas should mean that we would show an interest. Our desire to strengthen in that area will be increased should Nathan Wood depart the Swans in the summer and Gilchrist’s ability to perform in a back four or back three will appeal greatly to Luke Williams.
However, the presence of other interested clubs, particularly one such as Leeds, will put the Swans on the back foot and even the loan of Bashir Humphreys last season could come into the thinking as Chelsea look to seal the right move for a player who they believe has a very bright future at Stamford Bridge.
This is one definitely to keep an eye on but not necessarily to get your hopes too high!
