West Brom handed ideal Alfie Gilchrist solution after Portsmouth and Blackburn development

West Bromwich Albion are reviewing the future of Alfie Gilchrist ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The defender struggled to establish himself during his first season with the Baggies, making just 13 Championship appearances.

However, Albion should be wary of giving up permanently on a player who only arrived last summer.

Gilchrist remains just 22, and is contracted to the club until 2030.

A temporary move therefore could provide the regular football he needs, without bringing his career at The Hawthorns to a premature end.

Fresh interest from two Championship rivals may offer James Morrison exactly that opportunity.

Alfie Gilchrist can rediscover form at Championship rival

Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam reported on Tuesday that Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers are considering loan moves for Gilchrist.

The defender played only 663 minutes in the Championship last season, starting eight matches and making a further five appearances from the bench.

As previously covered by West Brom News, the 2025-26 season was bitterly disappointing for Gilchrist, with the full-back having arrived on a four-year deal just last summer.

Gilchrist had arrived with significant experience for his age, having featured 17 times for Chelsea before making 32 appearances during a season-long loan with Sheffield United in 2024-25.

Another move within the Championship could now allow him to rediscover the rhythm he found at Bramall Lane.

What must West Brom do to protect Gilchrist

This summer, Albion would be taking an unnecessary gamble by sanctioning a permanent departure, after just one difficult campaign.

Gilchrist has already demonstrated that he can contribute regularly at Championship level, while his versatility could still make him valuable to Morrison.

The length of his contract also means that there is no immediate pressure for the Baggies to cash in.

Instead, a loan would give the former Chelsea defender the opportunity to get consistent minutes, and potentially move on for a higher fee if he leaves in the future, or become a permanent fixture of the side.

For West Brom, allowing Gilchrist to develop for a season may be the best option, without writing him off too soon.