Forget Arthur: Liverpool should’ve hijacked £9m deal for gem who embarrassed Fabinho – Our View

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Liverpool fans should remember the name Billy Gilmour very well. Back in March 2020, the Scotland international humiliated Fabinho and others as he was named Man of the Match in Chelsea’s 2-0 FA Cup win over the Reds, at the age of just 18.

Unfortunately, Gilmour was not given the chance to kick on from that performance at Stamford Bridge, and spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Norwich, where he sadly suffered relegation with the Canaries.

Upon returning to west London, the 21-year-old was not in the plans of Thomas Tuchel, leading to Chelsea agreeing a £9m deal with Brighton on deadline day.

In our view, Liverpool should have pounced on that opportunity.

What’s the story?

Well, Jürgen Klopp needs midfielders at Anfield. The situation was partly addressed in the signing of Arthur on a season-long loan from Juventus, but with a talent like Gilmour available for £9m, Julian Ward should have acted.

The Scottish Xavi – as he has been called – tore Liverpool apart in the FA Cup back in 2018, sidestepping Fabinho and making the Brazil international look like an amateur throughout.

Few players have done that to the South American since he joined Liverpool from Monaco, let alone a teenager.

You may argue that Chelsea would not have sold Gilmour to a top-six rival in Liverpool.

However, the Blues didn’t intend to sell the midfield maestro, and only allowed him to leave as he wanted to depart Stamford Bridge.

Therefore, had Liverpool expressed an interest, you would presume Gilmour chooses the Reds over Brighton.

The Seagulls were even able to sign him for just £9m given the context of the situation, which is a total bargain.

Liverpool could sign new teammate of Billy Gilmour

Interestingly, Gilmour joining Brighton could actually help Liverpool sign another midfielder.

There is said to be interest in Brighton wonderkid Moises Caicedo, and Liverpool supposedly considered making a £42m bid for the Ecuador international ahead of yesterday’s 11pm deadline.

That move failed to materialise, although it is possible that Gilmour was signed to replace the South American with interest growing in his abilities – Arsenal are also admirers.

Whatever happens between Liverpool and Caicedo, we can’t help but think Liverpool should have at least tried to sign Gilmour, especially for just £9m.