In the summer of 2024, Billy Gilmour, one of the brightest young talents to emerge from Scotland in recent years, made a significant decision in his football career. The 22-year-old midfielder completed a move from English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion to Serie A giants Napoli. The transfer was seen as a bold step for Gilmour, signaling his desire to push on with his career and take on a new challenge in one of Europe’s most tactical leagues. But what prompted Gilmour to leave Brighton, where he had already begun to make strides, and join the reigning Serie A champions?
The Background: Gilmour’s Journey So Far
Billy Gilmour’s rise in football has been nothing short of impressive. After progressing through the ranks at Chelsea’s renowned academy, Gilmour quickly caught the attention of football fans and pundits with his performances for the first team. His debut for Chelsea in 2019, a standout display in the 7-1 win against Grimsby Town in the League Cup, marked him as a player to watch. However, it was his performance against Liverpool in the FA Cup in 2020, when he dominated midfield against some of the best players in the Premier League, that truly announced his arrival on the big stage.
Despite these flashes of brilliance, Gilmour found first-team opportunities at Chelsea limited due to competition in midfield. The 2020-2021 season saw him spend time on loan at **Norwich City**, where he gained valuable Premier League experience. However, Norwich’s relegation from the Premier League that season, and his subsequent return to Chelsea, left Gilmour at a crossroads.
In the summer of 2022, Gilmour moved to Brighton & Hove Albion, a club renowned for its progressive playing style under manager Graham Potter. It seemed like the perfect fit for Gilmour, who thrives in possession-based systems. His time at Brighton, however, did not unfold as he might have hoped. Despite the high expectations surrounding his move, Gilmour struggled to break into Brighton’s starting lineup regularly. With midfielders like Moisés Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister holding down starting spots, Gilmour often found himself on the periphery of the matchday squad.
Though Gilmour showed flashes of his talent during his time at Brighton, he was unable to fully establish himself as a key player. With Brighton’s European ambitions growing and the club having more options in midfield, Gilmour faced stiff competition for a spot in the starting XI. It became clear that he needed a fresh opportunity to truly fulfill his potential.
Why Napoli?
For many, Billy Gilmour’s decision to move to Napoli was a surprise. Napoli, under manager Rudi Garcia, had just won their first Serie A title in over three decades, and the club was in the midst of an exciting phase with a team that boasted a mix of young talent and experienced players. The challenge of playing in one of Europe’s most tactical leagues and competing in the UEFA Champions League must have been a key draw for Gilmour.
Napoli, like Brighton, plays a possession-based style of football, but with more emphasis on attacking flair and fast transitions. The tactical demands at Napoli may suit Gilmour’s strengths as a midfielder who is comfortable on the ball, with a keen eye for passing and distributing the play. Under Garcia, Napoli has maintained a reputation for attacking football, but also for its tactical discipline, something that will help Gilmour grow as a more complete player.
Moreover, Gilmour’s move to Napoli represents an opportunity to play in a team that competes at the highest level. After their stunning Serie A triumph in the 2022-2023 season, Napoli’s stature has risen considerably. With key players like Victor Osimhen, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Giovanni Di Lorenzo leading the charge, Napoli is firmly in the mix as one of Europe’s elite clubs. A move to such a side is undoubtedly appealing for any young player eager to make their mark in top-tier football.
The Tactical Fit: Gilmour’s Role at Napoli
One of the most compelling reasons behind Gilmour’s move to Napoli is the tactical fit under Rudi Garcia. Napoli’s style of play is built on fluidity, quick transitions, and ball retention—key areas in which Gilmour excels. As a deep-lying playmaker, Gilmour’s ability to read the game and execute precise passes makes him well-suited to Garcia’s tactical framework.
In midfield, Napoli often employs a combination of control and creativity. Gilmour, with his excellent passing range and ability to dictate the tempo, could become a central figure in Napoli’s build-up play. His vision and technical ability allow him to link up with attacking players and provide the necessary link between defense and attack. He also has the versatility to operate in multiple midfield roles, from a more defensive anchor to a more creative, advanced playmaker, giving Garcia tactical flexibility.
Additionally, Serie A is a league that places a significant emphasis on midfielders who can dictate play and provide balance between defense and attack. Players like Sandro Tonali (AC Milan), Jorginho(Arsenal), and Nicolo Barella(Inter Milan) have thrived in Serie A, and Gilmour will be eager to prove that he belongs in such esteemed company.
The challenge for Gilmour will be adapting to a new footballing culture, one that values tactical discipline and defensive solidity. While Serie A is known for its defensive focus, the rise of attacking football in Italy, especially in teams like Napoli, will provide Gilmour with the opportunity to develop further and showcase his creative talents.
The Bigger Picture: A Step Toward International Glory
Gilmour’s move to Napoli is not just a key moment in his club career but could have important implications for his international future as well. Gilmour has been a regular feature in Scotland’s national team since making his debut in 2020, and his performances at the international level have earned him praise. However, his lack of consistent club minutes at Brighton may have affected his visibility and development.
At Napoli, Gilmour will be playing in one of the most high-profile leagues in Europe, and success at the club could help him cement his place as a starter for Scotland in major international tournaments. With Euro 2024 on the horizon, Gilmour will be keen to showcase his best form at Napoli to ensure his place in Steve Clarke’s squad.
The Future for Billy Gilmour
At just 22 years old, Billy Gilmour has a long road ahead of him. His move to Napoli marks a critical juncture in his career, one that could propel him to even greater heights. If he can establish himself in Napoli’s midfield and continue to develop under the tutelage of experienced managers and teammates, the sky is the limit.
Napoli’s success in recent years, combined with Gilmour’s desire for more game time and a new challenge, makes this transfer a win-win for both the player and the club. While the transition from the Premier League to Serie A will not be without its challenges, Gilmour’s technical quality and determination suggest that he will rise to the occasion.
The next chapter in Gilmour’s career is now unfolding in Italy, and football fans will be watching closely to see how he adapts to life at Napoli and the Serie A challenge. If he can unlock his full potential, he may just become one of the most influential midfielders in Italy’s top tier—and beyond.
