Billy Gilmour should follow Jude Bellingham’s example and leave England to fulfil his potential.
That’s according to Brian Laudrup, who fears this season is another that is passing the Scotland star by after his £10million move to Brighton from Chelsea. The midfielder has played just five times for the Seagulls since making the switch. Graham Potter, the man who took him from Stamford Bridge, left the Amex to take charge of the Blues shortly after.
Replacement Roberto Do Zerbi has utilised the former Rangers youngster on a regular basis. After a horror loan spell at Norwich that saw the Canaries relegated and Gilmour come in for some harsh stick from his own fans after during a defeat at Crystal Palace, his career is in danger of stagnating if he can’t force his way into the reckoning on the south coast, which will have a knock-on effect on his international prospects as well.
Bellingham swapped Birmingham for Borussia Dortmund two years ago has hasn’t looked back. A main man for the Bundesliga cracks, the 19-year-old is starring for England at the World Cup. His displays for club and country have seen him linked with a £130million move to the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Speaking from experience, Laudrup has urged Gilmour to follow Bellingham’s example. Writing in his Daily Mail column, the Dane said: “Jude Bellignham has led the way for young midfielders at this World Cup, with some lovely contributions from the likes of Pedri, Gavi and Jamal Musiala. Watching all these prodigious talents relish the stage has, however, made me think about the problems confronting Scotland's great hope.
“Another season is threatening to drift away from Billy Gilmour. I am an immense fan of the 21-year-old. I genuinely think he can be the real deal, but he's only played 12 minutes of Premier League football since Roberto De Zerbi took over at Brighton. After a tough loan spell at Norwich City last term, I worry whether he is going to gain the chance he needs to fulfil all of his potential.
“One possible answer? Leave England. To me, Gilmour (right) looks like a player who would benefit immensely from going abroad.
“I've read that Villarreal might be interested in taking him on loan next month and I could easily see Gilmour loving La Liga. His skillset could thrive in Spain, the
“Netherlands, France or even Germany. Places where the demands are just a little different from England. There is a big call coming for Gilmour, his agent and his family to make sure he is in the place to flourish. Because he has so much quality.
“I know from my own career how reviving it can be to change environment. After two tough years in Italy, I remember my dad saying Rangers had to be the right thing for me to become a key player again with real responsibility on my shoulders.
“Gilmour has it in him to carry that level of importance for a team. I rate him so highly. A step into another kind of football might be the catalyst he needs.”
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