Billy Gilmour leaves Chelsea to join Brighton on permanent deal

Brighton have completed the signing of Billy Gilmour on a permanent basis, it has been confirmed. 

The 21-year-old joined from Rangers back in 2017 and went on to make 40 appearances for the Blues, and was part of Chelsea’s Champions League-winning squad in Porto last year.

Gilmour flourished under Frank Lampard, putting in Man of the Match displays against Everton and Liverpool in 2020.

He went out on loan last season to Norwich City but the switch to the Canaries didn’t go to plan and he returned to Chelsea this summer. 

But it quickly became clear that Gilmour wasn’t part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the 2022/23 season and the Chelsea head coach was open to letting the Scotsman leave. 

The new owners were reluctant but a deal has been agreed and now confirmed which sees Gilmour join Graham Potter’s Brighton on a permanent basis. 

He leaves Chelsea having won the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup. 

He has signed a four-year contract down on the south coast, with the fee undisclosed.

However, it is believed they will pay Chelsea around £9 million.

He could make his debut against Leicester City on Sunday in the Premier League.

Head coach Graham Potter said:  “Billy arrives with a fantastic pedigree, having played in the Premier League and Champions League as well as for Scotland at last year’s Euros.

"He will complement our existing midfield options.

“That experience at quite a young age shows the strength of character he has and we’re really excited by his potential.

“Now it’s about allowing him the time to get used to a new environment and settling in to our club.

"We can’t wait to work with him.”