West Brom: New Alfie Gilchrist transfer twist emerges | OneFootball

West Bromwich Albion defender Alfie Gilchrist could be on the move to League One Leyton Orient with the two clubs in talks over a potential deal

West Bromwich Albion are in the midst of preparing for their first campaign with James Morrison as their head coach, and whilst incomings are the main focus at the Hawthorns, a surprise departure could be on the cards.

West Brom rewarded former Scottish midfielder Morrison with the top job in the Black Country after a successful spell as interim boss, as the 40-year-old looks to stamp his authority on the Baggies squad.

Five new faces have arrived through the doors at the Hawthorns thus far, namely Barney Stewart, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Conor Townsend, Carter Pinnington, and Nolan Galves, whilst Norwegian midfielder Felix Horn Myhre is expected to sign on the dotted line imminently to become their sixth addition of the summer.

However, whilst the onus has been on improving the squad with incomings, a fresh departure could be on the cards, as one player's torrid time in the Midlands could be reaching its end.

West Bromwich Albion defender Alfie Gilchrist is the subject of interest from League One Leyton Orient

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According to Sky Sports' Mark McAdam, West Brom defender Alfie Gilchrist is the subject of interest from League One outfit Leyton Orient this summer, with the two clubs in ongoing talks over a possible deal for the 22-year-old.

Gilchrist came through the academy of Chelsea and made 17 first-team appearances for the West London side, scoring once, before enjoying a loan spell with Sheffield United for the 2024/25 season, where he made 30 Championship appearances in South Yorkshire.

This tempted West Brom into parting ways with an initial £1.2 million, but rising to £2 million for the defender last summer, with Gilchrist penning a five-year deal at the Hawthorns.

However, the Englishman managed just over 600 league minutes across 13 appearances for West Brom last season, unable to force his way into the side under either Ryan Mason, Eric Ramsay, or Morrison, and could be on the move this summer.

Alfie Gilchrist has struggled to make an impact since his £2 million switch to West Bromwich Albion from Chelsea last summer

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It hasn't yet been confirmed whether Orient, who finished just one place above the relegation zone in the third tier last season, are looking to strike a loan deal for Gilchrist, or whether West Brom are already looking to cash in on the defender.

Though, given he is under contract with the Baggies until at least the summer of 2030, a permanent exit after just one year would appear to be unlikely, especially with Orient unlikely to stump up the funds to lure him to East London permanently.

With French right-back Galves having joined from French second-tier side Rodez, Gilchrist's place in the side looks increasingly untenable, with an exit in some description appearing to be increasingly likely.

Why exactly Gilchrist has struggled so much since his arrival in the Midlands can be attributed to a myriad of factors, but with Morrison seemingly not viewing the former Chelsea defender as a part of his plans, his immediate future looks to lie elsewhere, as a return to London with Leyton Orient looks to be a viable option.

How have West Bromwich Albion supporters reacted to Alfie Gilchrist's potential Leyton Orient switch?

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With Gilchrist potentially on his way back to London with Leyton Orient, West Brom fans have reacted to this news via social media.

Having struggled for minutes with West Brom, a return to London in a league where he can thrive may be the best thing for Gilchrist at this stage of his career.

This West Brom fan thinks a loan move to Orient would be good for Gilchrist's development, and suggests that Morrison may well have more faith in young right-back Alex Williams instead.

Having made nearly a century of Championship appearances at 22, coming through the Chelsea academy, and joining for £2 million just last summer, few Baggies supporters would have expected this news.