Albion have signed right-back Alfie Gilchrist from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old, who made 17 appearances for the West London club, has penned a four-year contract at The Hawthorns.
He becomes Albion’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window – following the arrivals of Aune Heggebø, Nat Phillips, George Campbell, Krystian Bielik, Toby Collyer and Chris Mepham.
Gilchrist spent last season on loan at fellow Sky Bet Championship outfit Sheffield United, featuring in 32 games for the Blades.
Sporting Director Andrew Nestor said: “Alfie knows the league well, joining us off the back of a loan in the Championship last season, and has shown consistent improvement.
“His addition reinforces our defensive positions where we now have a healthy mix of relatively young, but experienced, players combined with those that have great potential. We are excited by our options here and feel all of them are equipped with the right physicality and skill for this division and beyond.”
Alfie added: “I’m really excited to get going and show everyone what I can do.
“I played against Albion when I was on loan at Sheffield United last season and both games were really good encounters. I remember the atmospheres being really exciting in both matches and I know Albion have some really talented players who I’m excited to work with now I’m here.
“I’m 21 and I want to play regular senior football. I feel like I’ll have a good chance of doing that here if I work hard and continue to develop.”
