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West Brom's £1.2million defender completes temporary League One switch The defender only joined the club late in the 2025 summer transfer market and is yet to mark one year at The Hawthorns. Albion defender Alfie Gilchrist hopes to bring leadership qualities to League One outfit Leyton Orient after agreeing a season-long loan deal. Gilchrist has completed the temporary switch in a bid to improve his game time and further development away from The Hawthorns. The former Chelsea prospect, 22, found regular action hard to come by in his debut campaign with Albion last term after making the £1.2million switch from Stamford Bridge. Gilchrist had made his name as an exciting youngster in central defence on Chelsea’s books, but arrived at Albion with right-back in mind in the wake of Darnell Furlong’s exit. It is understood the defender hopes to prove himself as a centre-back with Richie Wellens’ O’s. Prospect Ollie Bostock is another Albion hope likely to move away from The Hawthorns on loan before the transfer deadline. The winger, 19, is yet to head out on a senior loan. Attacker Harry Whitwell, 20, has enjoyed a fine pre-season and scored in Saturday’s EFL Cup first round success at Rotherham. The academy graduate, like Bostock, is in the final year of his contract and has been linked with a move away, but is believed to be in negotiations for fresh terms after impressing James Morrison. It is understood the move is a straight loan, with no option to buy clause. “I’m really excited to get going,” Gilchrist said of his Orient move. “When I was younger, I came to watch some matches here and I know it is going to be a good place for me. “The gaffer gave me a great first impression of the club and after that I wanted to get everything done as quickly as possible. I will give my all on the pitch every day, I have captained a lot of the academy teams I played in at Chelsea and I want to bring that leadership into men’s football here.” The defender was limited to just 15 appearances for Albion last term, only eight of which were Championship starts. His best performance came in the middle of defence against Southampton in the spring. Wellens added: “Alfie is someone that will allow us to press; he is on the front foot, has good pace, is aggressive and wants to win first contacts on the ball. He is a different type of defender to what we have got and we want him to use his determination, character and leadership skills to help bring our group forwards. “We have spoken to Chris Wilder about him and he spoke very highly of Alfie, both in terms of his defensive attributes and the way he conducts himself and as a character. I think he will be a really good signing.” It is believed Gilchrist, who remains under contract until 2029, is still seen as a part of the club’s future. Orient finished 20th in League One last term, narrowly avoiding relegation. Wellens’ side kickstarted their season by dumping new third tier rivals Oxford, relegated from the Championship, out of the EFL Cup first round at Brisbane Road last weekend. Orient host Walsall in the second round last this month. Gilchrist could make his O’s debut in Saturday’s League One curtain-raiser at another team coming down from the Championship, Sheffield Wednesday.