Chelsea midfielder could be loaned out once again after pre-season snub

Transfer News: Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour could leave the club this summer

Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour could be on his way to securing another loan spell, according to the Telegraph (Subscription Required) [h/t Express]. This comes amid claims that he was demoted to playing with the Under-23s on their pre-season tour.

Gilmour initially travelled with the main squad for the pre-season to the United States but he was one of the four players who were axed from the squad and sent to the Under-23 pre-season squad at Salt Lake in the States. This indicates that the midfielder may not be part of Thomas Tuchel’s plan for next season.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Norwich City. There he had a tough time as he failed to perform on a constant basis and sections of supporters even targeted him during a sequence of poor displays. He joined the team for the pre-season but was again dealt with a huge blow.

The Scotland international made 28 appearances for the Canaries in all competitions where he failed to find the back of the net and could muster only two assists. He is not the only player to be demoted, with Harvey Vale and Tino Anjorin joining him. They both are also expected to go out on loan again next season.

Gilmour, who is just 21 years of age, has failed to gain the trust of Tuchel. Another reason could be that Chelsea are currently overloaded in the midfield department. The likes of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are still going strong despite their age. Conor Gallagher, who also returned from loan, is looking to be one of Tuchel’s preferred choices for next season.

Another loan move could help out the player to regain his form. He has huge potential in him and maybe another loan spell will help unlock it. The Scotsman is said to have admirers in the Premier League, especially Frank Lampard. He could make a move for him given the player’s current situation, but that is something which remains to be seen.

It would be wise on Tuchel’s part to loan the player out and not sell him currently. The current midfield may be one of the best, but they are not getting any younger. Gilmour could be a player for the future and Tuchel will likely know that. If he can convince the player to go out on another loan, it could be beneficial to both parties.

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What happens now remains to be seen. It is clear that he will struggle for starts at the Bridge for now, especially with the emergence of Conor Gallagher. Gilmour saw some playing time under Frank Lampard and perhaps a potentially temporary reunion would not be a bad prospect.