Progress has been swift on deadline day as Brighton & Hove Albion have secured the signing of Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour.
The South Coast club confirmed the news of the departure, which is sure to disappoint some fans of the Blues due to Gilmour’s potential and young age. Tom Roddy has reported that the transfer fee is roughly £9 million.
Chelsea Prospect Billy Gilmour Joins Brighton & Hove Albion
Happy Gilmour. 😁 @BillyGilmourrr 🏴 pic.twitter.com/5csIYcPrZw
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) September 1, 2022
Wonderkid
The Scottish international was once dubbed a wonderkid who played like the lovechild of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. His performances at youth level were so strong that he was Academy player of the year in 2019/20 which helped him get a look in the first team. In both the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns he made 11 appearances for the senior team.
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Last year the 21-year-old was sent on loan to Norwich City to earn himself a spot in a Premier League side. Despite making 28 appearances for the relegated team he wasn’t able to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
Chelsea have almost completed two outgoings 🚨🔵 #CFC
▫️ Ethan Ampadu to Spezia on loan, NO buy option;
▫️ Billy Gilmour to Brighton on a permanent deal.#DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/yTCzBkk1Ix
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022
Right Decision
Despite how upsetting the loss of a young prospect is to Chelsea fans they also understand that the player has to make the right decisions for them. With the spending spree The Blues have made this summer it was going to be very difficult for Gilmour to get game time. This is especially true if rumours about Denis Zakaria making the move to Stamford Bridge are true.
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With this move, the young Scottish midfielder will get the chance to experience the Premier League and fully showcase the talent that saw him earn the wonderkid moniker. Blues fans will just hope that this isn’t the latest young talent they’ve seen exit the club and flourish elsewhere after not being given an opportunity to impress in a blue shirt.
