Graeme Souness has urged fellow Scot Billy Gilmour not to leave Chelsea on loan and compete with Jorginho for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield instead.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Souness responded to the transfer rumours circling Gilmour’s head.
A report from The Athletic states Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers are both interested in signing the talented youngster on loan.
Wolves fans certainly seemed happy about the rumours, while Blues supporters saw no harm in a switch to Norwich.
Gilmour hardly got a kick for Chelsea last season but still managed to make Scotland’s Euro 2020 squad.
However, even that was cut short after the youngster tested positive for covid-19 despite his Wembley heroics. Without Gilmour, Scotland were eliminated from the competition.
Souness says no to Gilmour move
There’s a sense the 20-year-old needs a reboot to truly turn his talent into meaningful minutes.
A move away from Stamford Bridge could offer him that fresh start.
However, Souness thinks it would be unwise to leave Tuchel’s team at the moment, especially as he feels Gilmour can push for Jorginho’s spot in the set-up.
“Personally, I would keep him at Chelsea,” said the former Liverpool manager.
“I think Jorginho has to be looking over his shoulder.
“I know it’s a slightly different position, but I think (Gilmour) will be challenging him more than anyone else.
“Look at the boy Phil Foden at (Manchester) City. Pep (Guardiola) didn’t let him go out on loan.
“Just being around winners and top players – Chelsea have got bundles of them now – that will improve (Gilmour) more than going out and playing for a lesser team where it’s a battle every week.”
Jorginho or Jorgi-yes
Dislodging Jorginho may not be quite so easy, however.
The holding midfielder is standing out for Italy in Euro 2020, building on his performance for Chelsea in the Champions League final.
Generally a character who divides opinion, even the midfielder’s biggest doubters are beginning to come around.
Plus it’s not only Jorginho who Gilmour has to contend with for a place in Chelsea’s starting XI.
N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are regulars under Tuchel, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley and Conor Gallagher are all set to return for pre-season.
Getting out on loan now could be a great option for the young Scotsman’s development.