Harry Redknapp baffled by Chelsea transfer misstep that let Prem rivals make ‘perfect’ move | OneFootball

Harry Redknapp during an interview

Harry Redknapp has detailed his belief that Billy Gilmour is at the “perfect club” in Brighton, but he “was surprised” Chelsea let him make that move.

The Blues are not shy to sell players they don’t feel are currently pulling their weight. The size of their squad and the strength of their academy means some younger players are always going to fall through the cracks.

Kevin De Bruyne is perhaps the most perfect example of Chelsea not giving a player enough time. He was a decent player at Stamford Bridge, but among his honours since leaving are five Premier League titles, a Champions League and footballer of the year three times in two different countries.

Redknapp feels Gilmour is another player the Blues let go that they maybe shouldn’t have done.

“Billy Gilmour ran the show against Newcastle. I was surprised Chelsea let this lad go, what a lovely footballer he is,” he told BetVictor.

However, Chelsea’s loss is Brighton’s gain, as Redknapp feels the midfielder is a great fit for the Seagulls.

“He’s at the perfect club now though and is making the most of his opportunities this season. He’s so composed and never gives the ball away.”

In this instance, the Blues could be forgiven for not seeing the potential of the young midfielder. While they didn’t give him loads of chances to impress before he left as a 21-year-old, they did have some quality midfielders such as N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic at the club.

What’s more, it’s not been until his second year with Brighton that he’s begun to shine, so it’s not as if Chelsea sold him as the finished product for a bargain fee (reportedly £9million).

Indeed, last season, Gilmour played just 14 times in the Premier League – seven of those games from the start – in which he made one assist.

He’s started three of the Seagulls’ four league games this season, two of those starts seeing him on the winning side, and he’s already matched his career-high Premier League assist tally of one.

With more playing time at a club who are thriving, there’s no doubt that tally will continue to rise. He’s in a more nurturing environment than he would be at Chelsea, and that’s clearly serving him well at the moment.