Championship clubs have been tracking Alfie Gilchrist throughout the summer, but now the deal could become much more financially feasible.
Derby County and Watford both begin their respective 2025/26 Championship seasons this afternoon with two difficult clashes.
The Rams head to Stoke City in a repeat of last season’s relegation six-pointer, and Watford visit newly promoted Charlton Athletic in an early kick-off.
As the new season gets underway, the summer transfer window remains in full swing, and both Derby and Watford are in the market for an in-demand Chelsea starlet.
Following the latest update regarding his proposed fee, a deal could be on the cards for the two sides after this weekend’s fixtures.
Derby County and Watford boosted by Alfie Gilchrist Chelsea update
Following his impressive season on loan at Sheffield United last season, defender Alfie Gilchrist has been the subject of rife transfer interest throughout the window.
Middlesbrough were keen on Gilchrist, but after signing Callum Brittain from Blackburn Rovers, their interest has calmed.
Reports last month explained that Derby and Watford had enquired about the full-back after Gilchrist’s £5m asking price emerged.
EFL Analysis exclusively revealed this week that Derby’s stance in the Gilchrist race is that a permanent deal is “more likely” than a loan move.
Following that, reporter Ben Jacobs has added that Chelsea could lower their £5m asking price for Gilchrist.
Jacobs said on X: “Understand Chelsea are now willing to lower their £5m asking price for Alfie Gilchrist.
“A fee of £1.5m plus add-ons is viewed as acceptable with a sell-on clause likely in any deal.
“Gilchrist expected to leave before the end of the window. Championship and Saudi interest.”
With a fee of £1.5m plus add-ons now mooted for Gilchrist, the Rams would be getting a “superb” talent who will develop even further under the tutelage of John Eustace.
John Eustace would be getting ‘superb’ talent in Alfie Gilchrist
Gilchrist’s 2024/25 loan stint with the Blades ended in Championship play-off final defeat to Sunderland, but he proved how capable he is at top second tier level.
Former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder hailed both Gilchrist’s attitude and ability during his time at Bramall Lane.
As quoted by the Sheffield Star, Wilder said: “Alfie’s attitude has been absolutely superb.
“He needed to come out of the team. It was a tough gig for him for maybe two or three games
“He took that as I would have expected him to take it, in terms of the personality and the character of him and how he has been brought up.”
After Derby had two bids rejected for Max Johnston, right-back is a position that Eustace is intent on strengthening, and Chelsea starlet Gilchrist would be an impressive coup.
