Leeds United and Sheffield United have been linked in a number of transfers this summer, whether they be player swaps or the two teams are interested in the same player.
Jamie Shackleton left Leeds on a free transfer at the end of June and chose to join Chris Wilder’s Blades, which means he will not have to uproot his small family and remain in Yorkshire.
Meanwhile, Jayden Bogle left Sheffield United for Leeds this summer for a fee of £5 million. Both sides are also reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan.
However, a Chelsea defender has chosen his next club, with Leeds and Sheffield United reportedly interested this summer. Alfie Gilchrist has decided on where he will go on loan.
Alfie Gilchrist decides on next club following ties with Leeds.
Leeds were connected with Chelsea’s Gilchrist early in the summer transfer window, however Gilchrist was left in London rather than coming to America with the rest of Enzo Maresca’s side to prepare for a loan.
Leeds’ interest in Gilchrist, who can play both centre-back and right-back, appeared to wane when the Whites secured the permanent signing of Joe Rodon and drew Bogle to Elland Road.
Nonetheless, a player on Leeds’ radar, the “amazing” Gilchrist, has decided to join Sheffield United on loan from Chelsea. Fabrizio Romano announced the news on his popular X account on Monday.
Romano stated that a medical would take place on Tuesday: “Chelsea star Alfie Gilchrist has picked Sheffield United as a loan option. Medical and signing requirements will be fulfilled on Tuesday – here we go.”
Gilchrist is a fine addition, but Bogle is the superior alternative for Leeds.
There was no doubt Leeds required a right-back. This summer, Luke Ayling, Rasmus Kristensen, Shackleton, Connor Roberts, and Archie Gray all left the club in some capacity, all of whom are capable of playing right back.
Bogle is the first Leeds player to wear the number two shirt since Ayling joined the club from Bristol City in the summer of 2016. Bogle is a seasoned Premier League player who scored three goals last season.
Leeds have grabbed themselves a bargain in Bogle for £5 million, with the right-back in his final year at Bramall Lane. Gilchrist is a talented yet unproven player who hopes to succeed Bogle under Wilder.
