Graeme Souness has revealed to Sky Sports News that Billy Gilmour should not go back to Rangers, arguing that staying at Chelsea is much better for his development.
Speculation is rife that Gilmour – who began his career at Rangers – may return to Ibrox on a season-long loan from the Stamford Bridge club.
The 20-year-old Scotland international enhanced his reputation at Euro 2020 and he continues to look like a frightening prospect.
But with Chelsea being Champions League winners, it’s imperative that he gets regular football for the sake of his ongoing development and Thomas Tuchel may not be able to offer him that next term.
Souness won three European Cup titles at Liverpool and the Scot – who finished his playing career at Rangers – has suggested that Steven Gerrard’s side are a ‘lesser team’ and it’s more beneficial for the player to stay in London.
He said: “Personally, I would keep him at Chelsea. The reason I say that is quite simple. I look back at my own career and think ‘how did I improve?’
“What made me better was when I was 23, I went to Liverpool, best team in the world arguably and I was playing with fabulous players in training every single day. I learned to think quicker, I learned how to improve my touch, my movement and just being around top players and winners. Chelsea have got bundles of them now. That will improve him more than going out to a lesser team when maybe it’s a battle and a slog every week.”
Souness is right
Rangers fans may not like to admit it, but the Sky pundit is right.
Gilmour, who earns £43,000 per week in England, is well on his way to becoming a Premier League star.
With 11 top-flight games under his belt, it is actually possible that Tuchel continues using him in the senior side next season.
There’s no doubt that a year under a legendary midfielder like Rangers boss Gerrard would improve the kid.
But at this stage, he is beyond a year in the Scottish Premiership and staying in London is the smart choice.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
