Leyton Orient have signed defender, Alfie Gilchrist on a season-long loan from West Bromwich Albion.
Gilchrist’s loan switch comes after a difficult 2025-26 season saw him make just 15 appearances for West Brom following his transfer from Chelsea, which has led the Baggies to let him return to the UK capital on loan at Leyton Orient for the 2026-27 campaign.
The 22-year-old defender has welcomed his loan move to Orient as he admitted that he attended some of their matches as a child, which has left him feeling that the club will be a good environment for him to gain game time under Head Coach, Richie Wellens.
“I’m really excited to get going. When I was younger, I came to watch some matches here and I know it is going to be a good place for me.
“The gaffer gave me a great first impression of the club and after that I wanted to get everything done as quickly as possible. I will give my all on the pitch every day; I have captained a lot of the academy teams I played in at Chelsea and I want to bring that leadership into men’s football here.”
Wellens added: “Alfie is someone that will allow us to press; he is on the front foot, has good pace, is aggressive and wants to win first contacts on the ball. He is a different type of defender to what we have got and we want him to use his determination, character and leadership skills to help bring our group forwards.”
The boss added that he had sought the advice of Sheffield United manager, Chris Wilder who praised Gilchrist following his loan spell at the Blades in the 2024-25 season, in which he contributed to 14 clean sheets in 22 appearances.
“We have spoken to Chris Wilder about him and he spoke very highly of Alfie; both in terms of his defensive attributes and the way he conducts himself and as a character. I think he will be a really good signing.”
Gilchrist began his career at QPR within their youth academy before he moved to West London rivals, Chelsea in 2014 where he graduated into their first-team squad and scored one goal in 17 appearances in the 2023-24 season.
That campaign also saw him score his maiden senior goal for Chelsea in a 6-0 Premier League win over Everton at Stamford Bridge in April 2024.
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