John Terry reacts as West Brom complete major new signing

West Brom will be hoping to finish the transfer window with a flurry in the next few days.

The Baggies have enjoyed a bright start to the new Championship season, but will still be keen to add the finishing touches to their squad ahead of Monday’s deadline.

West Brom have now sold Tom Fellows to Southampton, with that piece of business potentially opening the door for money to be spent at The Hawthorns ahead of the cut-off.

Ryan Mason has already added seven new faces to his squad so far this summer, and John Terry has issued a message to the latest addition.

Ryan Mason at full-time of a West Brom match
Credit: Imago

John Terry sends message to Alfie Gilchrist

West Brom completed the signing of Alfie Gilchrist from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee on Friday, with the right-back agreeing terms on a four-year contract in B71.

The 21-year-old is a product of the Blues’ prestigious youth academy, and had a bright loan spell in the Championship with Sheffield United last term.

He made 27 league starts for the Blades, but ultimately failed to play a single minute during their unsuccessful play-off campaign.

Gilchrist had been with Chelsea since the U11 level, but will now be a Baggies player for the foreseeable future.

The defender delivered an emotional message via his Instagram account after the deal was confirmed, in which he thanked Chelsea for “helping to shape him” as both a person and a player.

Chelsea legend Terry replied with a message of support for the youngster, as he commented: “Good luck mate.”

West Brom have perfect replacement for Darnell Furlong

Darnell Furlong completed an emotional West Brom exit on Thursday as he joined Ipswich, and the 29-year-old has already been replaced at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies moved quickly to tie Gilchrist down to a long-term contract, in what is a hugely impressive piece of business.

GilchristStats (per 90)Furlong
5.13Progressive Passes 4.47
1.84Shot Creating Actions2.45
1.24Tackles Won0.53
1.2Interceptions0.73
1.88Blocks0.92
Gilchrist’s 2024/25 Championship stats compared to Furlong, as per FBref.

Furlong wasn’t the most consistent performer during his six full seasons in B71, and in Gilchrist, the club have already secured a replacement with a big future ahead of him and plenty of resale value.

He was arguably one of the brightest prospects within Chelsea’s academy, and broke through with 11 Premier League appearances in 2023/24.

When you throw in the fact that he already has second tier experience after a productive loan spell, this could be one of the signings of the summer for West Brom.

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