Leyton Orient target West Brom defender Alfie Gilchrist

West Bromwich Albion defender Alfie Gilchrist is in talks with League One side Leyton Orient, with both clubs negotiating a possible deal for the 22‑year‑old as the Baggies reshape their squad for the upcoming season. The midfielder’s limited game time this campaign has sparked speculation about his future.

Action images By James Pennington Published Aug 3, 2026, 10:48 AM GMT+1. James is a Stoke City fan, born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent. He graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2025 with a 1:1 (Hons) in Sports Journalism and began his Journalism career with Football League World shortly after.

West Brom are preparing for their first campaign under head coach James Morrison, who was rewarded with the top job after a successful interim spell. Five new faces – Barney Stewart, Jimmy‑Jay Morgan, Conor Townsend, Carter Pinnington and Nolan Galves – have already arrived, with Norwegian midfielder Felix Horn Myhre expected to sign as the sixth summer addition.

Alfie Gilchrist came through the Chelsea academy, making 17 first‑team appearances and scoring once before a loan spell at Sheffield United in 2024/25, where he featured in 30 Championship matches. His development was further highlighted by his experience across the English leagues.

West Brom paid an initial £1.2 million for Gilchrist, rising to £2 million last summer, and secured him on a five‑year contract. He logged just over 600 league minutes in 13 appearances last season, unable to break into the side under Ryan Mason, Eric Ramsay or Morrison.

Leyton Orient, who finished just above the relegation zone last season, have shown interest in Gilchrist, though it is unclear whether they will pursue a loan or a permanent transfer. The club’s financial position makes a loan more plausible, especially as French right‑back Nolan Galves has arrived from Rodez, further limiting Gilchrist’s chances at the Hawthorns.

Add Us Summary Generate a summary of this story Like Like follow Follow followed Followed Thread Log in Here. Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap. Fans have reacted on social media, with some urging a loan move to aid his development and others delivering blunt assessments of his time at West Brom.

If the talks conclude positively, Gilchrist could return to London with Leyton Orient, offering him regular playing time in a league where he can thrive and potentially revive the promise shown during his early career.