Could Billy Gilmour make it four Scots in Italian football next season? | OneFootball

Italian football has recently become a notable destination for Scottish players, with at least a couple of Scots making their mark each season. Currently, four Scottish players are plying their trade in Italy, with three playing in Serie A. This number could potentially increase to four by the end of the summer transfer window if one club, in particular, get their man.

The Scottish contingent in Italian football includes Lewis Ferguson, Liam Henderson, Che Adams, and Josh Doig. Ferguson, Henderson, and Adams, who recently joined Torino as a free agent, are set to feature in Serie A for the 2024/25 season. Meanwhile, Brighton’s central midfielder and Scotland international, Billy Gilmour, has been linked with a move to Italy’s top flight for a number of weeks, and the rumours continue to gather at pace.

Gilmour, 23, made the switch from Chelsea to Brighton in 2022 and has significantly improved his game since then. As a deep-lying midfielder, Gilmour is known for his composure on the ball and his ability to dictate play, making him a key player for Brighton last season as they competed on multiple fronts. The latest football odds online suggest Brighton are expected to perform well in the Premier League this season, but Gilmour’s future with the club remains uncertain.

Gilmour has been consistently linked with a move to Serie A, with Napoli showing particular interest. The Italian club, now managed by Antonio Conte, has a history with Gilmour, as Conte was Chelsea’s manager when the club signed Gilmour from Rangers in 2017. Although Gilmour spent time with Chelsea’s U18 and U23 teams following the move, he eventually broke into the first team after Conte had departed.

Napoli are expected to sell midfielder Gianluca Gaetano in the coming weeks, potentially for around €10 million. This sale could provide the funds needed to make a serious bid for Gilmour, whom Conte is eager to add to his squad sooner rather than later. Gilmour’s attributes make him well-suited for a role at the base of Napoli’s midfield, and Conte believes he could be a key player in their bid to reclaim the top spot in Italian football after their historic title win in 2022/23.

The success of Scots like Lewis Ferguson in Serie A has been noted by Napoli’s hierarchy, bolstering their interest in Gilmour and willingness to do business. Despite Brighton rejecting an initial bid, Napoli have not given up on signing the Scottish midfielder. Reports indicate that Conte is pushing for a renewed bid, viewing Gilmour as a crucial part of his plans for the upcoming season.

The potential transfer of Billy Gilmour to Napoli highlights the growing presence and impact of Scottish players in Italian football. As the summer transfer window progresses, Gilmour’s situation will be closely watched, with the possibility of him joining the ranks of Scots making their mark in Serie A. The move could also see Gilmour take his game to the next level.