Kevin Phillips believes Billy Gilmour should join Leeds United if Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea decide to end his Norwich City loan prematurely.
Billy Gilmour was impressive when he started at Chelsea. While the Scotland midfielder pleased boss Thomas Tuchel, the German felt a loan move might allow him to experience regular game-time this season. Hence Chelsea agreed on a loan transfer to Norwich City after thorough considerations.
Chelsea had other offers from Premier League sides, including West Ham United and Leeds United. They felt Norwich City represents the best chance for Gilmour to experience the league in its full flow. However, the Scottish midfielder has managed only four appearances in the competition so far.
He seemed unwanted under former Canaries boss Daniel Farke. Despite the club’s terrible form, Gilmour wasn’t used much even though there were many calls from fans to let him start games. Chelsea boss Tuchel had explored the idea of recalling the midfielder back to Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, due to concerns over his game-time.
While Farke has since been sacked, Tuchel might reconsider the possibility of a recall, if Gilmour’s situation remains the same under new boss Dean Smith at Carrow Road.
Amidst the developing situation, former striker Kevin Phillips has now suggested that a loan move to Leeds in the second half of the season, could make plenty of sense for Gilmour. Speaking to Football Insider, the former Premier League forward suggested Marcelo Bielsa could aid his development in the right way.
Phillips said, “Gilmour hasn’t got much game time under his belt, and I can’t see why with where Norwich are in the league. There’s no point in him going back to Chelsea because he will hardly play. He should go back out on loan to somewhere like Leeds. Bielsa plays good football, they aren’t rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, and he will probably get more game time.
“Leeds play more of the type of football Gilmour is suited to, so it would be a great move for him. We’ve seen Bielsa get the best out of some youngsters, and there’s no reason why he couldn’t do that with Gilmour. His next move has to be to go somewhere where he will play because we don’t want a young player completely disappearing.”
Norwich City will begin life under new manager Smith with a home game against Southampton. Gilmour will certainly try to impress his new boss into getting regular game-time. However, if his situation does not change at Carrow Road, he might get a recall from Chelsea come January.