Chelsea star performs U-turn over January exit after Thomas Tuchel arrival

Billy Gilmour looked set to leave Chelsea on loan in the January transfer window but has decided a stay is preferable after asssessing his options.

The young Chelsea midfielder was expected to leave in order to seek more game time in an attempt to force his way into the Scotland squad for this summer’s Euros.

Gilmour, 19, has started just three times in all competitions this season and has seen his Premier League action limited to just 34 minutes.

He was enjoying a spell in the first team under previous manager Frank Lampard but a knee injury halted his progress.

It was reported he had held talks with Southampton over a move to St Mary’s but unless things take a surprise turn he is now expected to remain at Stamford Bridge, according to The Athletic.

While Gilmour was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s first two squads since succeeding Lampard, the midfielder feels like he will get his chance in the coming weeks.

Chelsea face a busy run of fixtures as they continue to compete in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League and Gilmour hopes that will lead to more opportunities for him.

More importantly, he wants to gain a sense of where he fits into Tuchel’s plans.

Rather than trying to adjust to new surroundings and impress on loan, he wants to use this period to see if he will be in Tuchel’s thoughts for next season.

If not, he will likely look to seal a season-long loan for the 2021/22 campaign.

He also believes he is still in with a shot of the Euros, even if he stays.

Gilmour is thought to be highly rated in the Scottish set-up and many believe a call-up is not far away.

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