Norwich City have utilised Billy Gilmour plenty of times over the course of their Premier League season but their hopes of having him back in the Championship have taken a blow with the news that Chelsea plan to give him a chance in pre-season, as reported by The Athletic.

The midfielder had struggled to get onto the field too regularly for the Blues in the past so was allowed to join the Canaries on a short-term basis for the 2021/22 campaign. Despite the club eventually being relegated back down to the second tier though, there were plenty of signs of promise from the youngster during his time there.

The 20-year-old managed 24 league games for Norwich with one assist and he put in a number of good showings for the side during his time there. With the side now preparing for life back in the Championship, they might have hoped to have the midfielder back again to help them push for a promotion.

However, according to The Athletic, his parent side plan to run the rule over him in pre-season and that could lead to him being used as a squad member in the Chelsea side going forward.

If that is the case, then the chances of him making a return to Norwich in any capacity would take a blow. If the Blues want to use him, then they would likely be unwilling to send him back to the Canaries.

Norwich then might hope that he has a rather torrid pre-season - so that the opportunity for another deal could perhaps present itself to the club.

The Verdict

Billy Gilmour has shown flashes of absolute brilliance that suggest he could be a real star of the future if treated correctly and utilised properly over the next few seasons.

He has already impressed for his country and there have been one or two games for Norwich on loan when he looked like the real deal. Having failed to get much chance with Chelsea, a loan deal to the Canaries will have really helped his development and will no doubt make his next move even more of a success.

Norwich might be hoping it is with them, as the midfielder has already shown he can do a job in the top flight. If he can do the business in the Premier League, then he could certainly do a number in midfield a league lower in the Championship and that is probably what Norwich are hoping for.

If Chelsea like the look of him in pre-season though, it looks as though Thomas Tuchel might keep hold of the player. Gilmour will no doubt be looking to impress and stay at Stamford Bridge - but if not, he will know that Norwich might very well offer him a place to go again.