The immediate future of young Chelsea star Billy Gilmour has been thrown into doubt following Frank Lampard’s sacking at Chelsea.
Lampard is a known admirer of Gilmour, who played the full 90 minutes in Sunday’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Luton Town at Stamford Bridge.
Newspaper reports today have suggested incoming boss Thomas Tuchel is prepared to let Gilmour leave on loan, joining the mass exodus of young talent and fringe players that the west London club have farmed out to other clubs.
Whilst there will be Premier League interest in the Scotland U21 international, does this development pave the way for the return of Billy Gilmour to Rangers?
The Mirror report stated, “Chelsea wonderkid Billy Gilmour is set to be the first player to depart Stamford Bridge under Thomas Tuchel’s reign, reports suggest.”
“German boss Tuchel is set to be confirmed as the club’s new head coach today after Frank Lampard was sacked.”
“The former Paris Saint-Germain manager is set to have the rest of the January transfer window to make changes and offload players he doesn’t see as part of his plans.”
“And it seems Gilmour will be the first player Chelsea will allow to leave this month, with the young Scotsman set to leave on loan.”
Rangers chiefs including manager Steven Gerrard and sporting director Ross Wilson will be well aware of the situation and it would be very surprising if they did not ask the question, at least.
Whilst the need for Gilmour this season is questionable, he would add serious talent and quality to the Gers midfield options for the title run in as well as the resumption of the Europa League campaign, with a rule change in recent years meaning players like him are no longer be ‘cup-tied’ in Europe.
Game time
Having only played in two Premier League games this season, Gilmour is unlikely to add much to that in the rest of the this campaign, having overcome injury issues which have plagued him since the end of last season.
The Mirror feature continued, “But despite recovering, he (Gilmour) still faced a difficult task in getting regular first-team minutes, with N’Golo Kante, Hakim Ziyech, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Matteo Kovacic and Jorginho all ahead of him in the pecking order.”
“And it seems a loan move is seen as the best option for the teenager in order to get him some regular first-team minutes.”
“Ultimately, Tuchel will make the final decision once his appointment is confirmed, which is expected to be later today after he flies into London to put pen to paper.”
Whether now or in the Summer, Rangers could be looking at a mid-term agreement with Chelsea for a 12 or 18 month loan deal.
The next move for the 19 year old probably isn’t too far away, keep your eye on this one with VitalRangers.