According to Tom Ruddy of the Times, Chelsea and Scotland international midfielder Billy Gilmour has passed his medical ahead of his £9 million move to Brighton & Hove Albion, with just the final paperwork left to sign before the move will become official.
Billy Gilmour: Scottish ‘Wonderkid’ on the Verge of Leaving Chelsea on a Permanent Deal
Billy Gilmour has passed his medical to join #BHAFC. Only waiting on the paperwork to be signed before confirmation of his departure from Chelsea.
Denis Zakaria medical also completed ahead of loan move to #cfc. https://t.co/ERiHFzVDMh #DeadlineDay
— Tom Roddy (@TomRoddy_) September 1, 2022
Scotland International to Bolster Brighton
Despite some injuries in the Chelsea midfield including N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus Cheek, Thomas Tuchel seems prepared to let Gilmour, who was once dubbed a “wonderkid” leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal, with Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria joining the West London club, which has been described as a “done deal” by Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sports.
The Scottish midfielder was dropped from the Chelsea first team squad over the summer and spent pre-season working with the club’s younger players.
Read More: Barcelona Star Keen on Last Minute Chelsea Move
Gilmour was included in the squad for the recent 2-1 defeat away at Southampton due to Kante’s injury and Conor Gallagher‘s suspension. Despite this inclusion, the blues have chosen to sanction his departure with the imminent signing of Zakaria.
The two clubs have done a bit of business recently, with Chelsea completing a £62 million move for Marc Cucurella several weeks ago and Levi Colwill moving in the opposite direction on loan.
What the Scottish International Could Bring to the South Coast
The 21-year-old midfielder’s career has somewhat stalled after impressing under Frank Lampard, with memorable performances against Liverpool and Everton, the young midfielder was once described as the “lovechild of Xavi and Andres Iniesta”, but has found game time at Stamford Bridge non-existent following a disappointing loan at Norwich. Following one game on loan against Crystal Palace the Norwich fans sang for him to go back to Chelsea.
Gilmour is at his best playing at the base of a midfield triangle, where he can get on the ball and dictate the tempo. He is assured on the ball and recycles possession superbly.
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
His low sense of gravity and close control allows him to escape tight situations. He’s not afraid to make a tackle, and he will undoubtedly bring class and poise to a Brighton side that likes to play good possession-based football, which should suit the 21-year-old.