Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel cannot rule out recalling Billy Gilmour from Norwich City in the January transfer window as Leeds United’s summer target struggles at Carrow Road.
The Canaries edged several rival sides to sign Gilmour on a season-long deal in July for their Premier League return. He put a number of clubs on alert after impressing in a key role for Scotland at Euro 2020. Dazzling from the engine room in a goalless draw with England.
Leeds were among the clubs to sound out Gilmour’s situation at Chelsea before he sealed a temporary transfer to Norwich. That’s according to the Daily Record, who cited the Whites, Rangers and Wolves as interested parties in the highly-rated 20-year-old.
Gilmour’s decision to join Norwich instead seemed the right choice during the early weeks of the Premier League season. Daniel Farke started the eight-cap Scotland international in four of the Canaries’ first five league squads. But he has not featured since September 18.
Tuchel non-committal over recalling Gilmour
Farke has left Gilmour on the bench in Norwich’s last four top-flight fixtures Leeds’ summer target has been eligible for. With his last appearance in any competition on September 21 against Liverpool in the EFL Cup. Leaving Tuchel non-committal on recalling him in January.
“We will take the decision in January when it has to be made,” the Chelsea boss said, via The Sun. “I spoke with Daniel about it, and I was happy to meet Billy around the Norwich match at Stamford Bridge.
“It was clear when we spoke about it that he wants more minutes and more game time at another club. Things are not going as he maybe wishes, or as we all wish for, but it’s not the moment now to already give solutions and cancel the whole project.”
Should Leeds revive interest in Chelsea midfielder amid Norwich struggles?
Tuchel refusing to rule out ending Gilmour’s time at Norwich in January should put Leeds Director of Football Victor Orta on red alert over a loan transfer for the Chelsea midfielder.
Gilmour may be more open to moving to Elland Road this winter after falling out of favour at Carrow Road. The Whites are also still in the market to improve Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, with The Star citing Reading’s in-demand John Swift as a potential mid-season target.
But as Orta questions what value for money Leeds can achieve in mid-season deals, could baulk at a bidding war. So, a loan transfer for Gilmour could come back into focus if the midfielder becomes available. Handing Bielsa a player Farke praises, but rarely uses, in a potential masterclass if the Argentine unlocks the potential Gilmour showed this summer.
“Billy is a fantastic player, a fantastic human being and of course, he wants to play each and every second. If you love football, you love Billy Gilmour because this guy is a baller,” the Norwich boss said, via the Independent. “I think he has a good mindset and works hard on the pitch. He has unbelievable potential.”
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