Orient sign West Brom defender Gilchrist on loan

Gilchrist climbed the ranks at Chelsea's Academy, winning the Premier League Cup in 2021. [Getty Images] Leyton Orient have signed West Bromwich Albion defender Alfie Gilchrist on a season-long loan. The 22-year-old joined the Baggies from Chelsea last summer and made 13 league appearances during the 2025-26 campaign. Gilchrist moves to Richie Wellens' League One side to continue his development and could make his Orient debut against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. The defender came through Chelsea's academy before making his senior debut for the Blues in December 2023, but spent the next season on loan at Sheffield United. "I'm really excited to get going," Gilchrist told the Orient website. "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." All the latest Leyton Orient news All done deals in August 2026