John Terry predicted academy star’s future as Serie A club come calling | OneFootball

Transfer season is hotting up, with Chelsea getting into gear both in terms of sales and acquisitions.

One player who will be on the way out – albeit only on loan – is Alfie Gilchrist. The versatile defender from the youth academy. After making his debut last season and picking up a few appearances across the back line, often as a sub, he looks ready for a full season somewhere.

The Athletic are claiming that newly promoted Serie A side Como are now in the mix, alongside a large group of Championship hopefuls including Huddersfield, Leeds and Preston North End.

It’s obvious why the interest is so strong – just listen to what John Terry had to say about the 20 year old at the end of last season:

“He’s a really good player. He’s got an unbelievable attitude. He performs so well on a daily basis, does everything right.

“He’s got a good chance. I think Alfie’s next step is to go on loan next season and then you should see how he does. I’m expecting big things from Alf, expecting him to play hopefully a game or two as the season goes on.”

Alfie Gilchrist at Chelsea’s end of season awards

What next for an academy talent

With so many talented defenders already on the books and more to come in by the sounds of things, letting Alfie go on loan seems eminently sensible.

He made a great impression on the first team last season, but with so much competition at the back and (hopefully) fewer injuries this time around, it could be hard to replicate that. The best we can hope is that his cameos in the first team helped get enough game footage on tape to ensure that all of the clubs linked above are genuinely interested and willing to give him the first team minutes that will help him develop.