Billy Gilmour was reportedly looking to leave on loan this month before the transfer window closes in search of some much-needed playing. His national team, Scotland, have qualified for this year’s European Championship, and Gilmour wants to be a part of the squad, especially since it’s not every year that his team qualify for a prestigious competition — they have qualified for a major tournament after 23 years.
He is yet to be capped at the senior-level, but a continuous run of games could put him into contention for a spot on the roster. Rangers were earlier linked with a move, however, it appears that Gilmour could in fact, depart for a much closer destination. According to the Daily Mail, the 19-year-old is in talks with Southampton over a loan move.
Southampton are apparently looking for more options in midfield, with Ibrahima Diallo, Oriol Romeu (blast from the past!), James Ward-Prowse, Stuart Armstrong and Will Smallbone their current midfielders. It’s worth noting that Ward-Prowse even had to fill in right back in their 0-1 loss to Aston Villa due to a shortage of players in that position.
While Southampton, with their progressive style of play and focus on technicality will no doubt be a fantastic loan destination for young Billy in principle, everything might finally boil down to playing time assurances. Ralph Hasenhüttl is an excellent coach with a similar philosophy to Thomas Tuchel and this should help prepare Gilmour for his future with Chelsea, as long as he gets to see the pitch regularly on matchdays.