Leeds United are reaching the point in the summer when Premier League loan deals may become more available. Every year, Championship clubs look to benefit from this market, and Leeds are no exception.
Leeds have already utilized this opportunity by signing Joe Rothwell on a season-long loan from Bournemouth. It would be surprising if he were the last.
Last season, Leeds brought in four players on loan from Premier League clubs, with mixed results. Joe Rodon was the standout performer and has been signed permanently, while Jaidon Anthony, Connor Roberts, and especially Djed Spence struggled to make an
Chelsea makes a decision on Leeds target Alfie Gilchrist
Leeds have already been linked with several Premier League youngsters this summer, but as is often the case, moves typically start happening later in the window.
Last year, Rodon, Spence, and Anthony all joined well into August. With pre-season now in full swing, clubs are beginning to make decisions.
One player mentioned as a potential target for Leeds is Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist. According to journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Gilchrist is now part of the ‘loan group’ at Cobham after being left out of the squad for Chelsea’s upcoming pre-season tour.
Leeds are among several Championship clubs that have inquired about Gilchrist, and if they want to proceed, they will need to act quickly. Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End were also name-checked alongside Leeds earlier in the window.
PNE and Sheffield United are now the most likely destinations for Gilchrist.
Despite Leeds’ interest, ‘sources’ at Chelsea indicated skepticism about sending Gilchrist on loan to Elland Road due to concerns about his chances of becoming a regular starter.
These concerns appear justified, as Leeds have recently signed Rodon and Jayden Bogle, both of whom will be first-choice in Gilchrist’s preferred positions.
Ben Jacobs has now reported that Gilchrist is most likely to end up at either PNE or Sheffield United. The Blades are seeking a new right-back following Bogle’s move to Leeds, while PNE has a notably weaker defensive lineup compared to the Whites.
Leeds will likely need some depth behind Rodon, but they are unlikely to find it by loaning a young player from a Premier League club looking for game time.