Alfie Gilchrist hints at fresh Sheffield United deal in summer and talks Chelsea exit | OneFootball

Gilchrist has hinted that he may not be against a return to Bramall Lane next season, on one condition.

Out-on-loan Chelsea man Alfie Gilchrist has hinted that he would be open to staying at Sheffield United next season if they are promoted.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail, Gilchrist also revealed that he was interested in joining the Blades as soon as he heard of their interest, with the player not winning as much game time with the Blues as he would have wanted.

Gilchrist was given an opportunity to shine by Mauricio Pochettino last season and he featured in a number of games, making 11 league appearances during the 2023/24 campaign.

However, it was unclear how much game time he was going to get under Enzo Maresca this term, and the Blues sanctioned a temporary move away from Stamford Bridge for the young defender.

The Blades won the race for his signature - and they have benefitted from having the 20-year-old at their disposal.

He has often lined up alongside the likes of Anel Ahmedhodzic and Harry Souttar as a right-back - and has done well during the early stages of this term - playing a part in the Blades' rise up the Championship table.

They started the season bottom of the table on -2 points, but they haven't let that become a psychological barrier, winning against Preston North End on the opening day of the season and winning plenty of games to assert themselves as automatic promotion contenders.

Gilchrist may have only registered one assist in 16 competitive appearances for United, a record he will want to improve on, but the defender can be pleased with his progress under Chris Wilder and will be looking to continue thriving in the coming months.

Alfie Gilchrist issues hint on Sheffield United future

Gilchrist's experience of the Bramall Lane atmosphere and United's previous success under Wilder were listed by the defender as key factors that made him want to come to Bramall Lane.

And he also hinted that he would be willing to stay with the Blades next term if they were promoted, telling the Daily Mail: "As soon as I heard about Sheffield United, that’s all I was interested in. I wanted to get here as soon as possible.

"I’d been here last season when I was on the bench [in a 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea.] I saw the atmosphere and thought this was somewhere I’d like to play.

"I watched them when they were in the Premier League and I really liked the way they played when they had overlapping centre-backs.

"I spoke to the manager, and it was a perfect opportunity for me to show what I can do. It was just the next step for me, you know?

"There was a big squad at Chelsea, I wanted to play this season, and this is what I needed to do for myself.

"So far, it’s worked out to be the right decision. I feel like I’m progressing with every game. I’m happy here. Promotion is the aim for us and then next season, we’ll see what happens."

Sheffield United should consider another move for Alfie Gilchrist

The Blades could benefit from having Gilchrist at their disposal again next season, regardless of which league they are in.

It may be difficult for them to secure his signature again if they aren't promoted - but he seems to be thoroughly enjoying his time at Bramall Lane thus far.

That could help them to keep the player for another season, regardless of which league they are in, though the Blues will have the final say on his future.

Able to play both at full-back and as a centre-back, the versatile young defender could be a useful asset for Wilder to have in numerous systems.

And the Blades should definitely be weighing up another move for him at the end of the season.