Liam Henderson has revealed he unsuccessfully tried to convince Empoli to try and sign Billy Gilmour on loan three years ago shortly before the Scotland star’s career really began to pick up speed.
Midfielder Henderson was the first Scot to swap his homeland for Italy back in 2018, initially joining Bari before making his way to the Florence club Empoli in 2021 via spells with Leece and Hellas Verona. And it was during that time that he urged the Serie A club to make a move for Gilmour, who was then still at Chelsea.
Gilmour had broke into the first team at Stamford Bridge under Frank Lampard but saw his opportunities limited by the England legend’s successor Thomas Tuchel. The deep-lying playmaker soon joined Norwich City on loan ahead of the 2021/22 season, and 12 months later, sealed a permanent move to Brighton. After two years on the English south-coast Gilmour landed a £12million switch to Serie A leaders Napoli last summer, where he has quickly made an impact for Gli Azzuri alongside compatriot Scott McTominay.
The duo made history last month when they played against Henderson’s Empoli, with the Italian top-flight seeing three Scots all taking to the field at the same time for the first time ever. Che Adams has also joined the Scottish contingent in Serie A this season, while former Aberdeen star Lewis Ferguson has recently returned from a serious knee injury at Bologna.
And speaking to Italian station Radio Lady, Henderson confirmed his botched attempt to bring Gilmour to Empoli and also believes the Scottish mentality is tailor-made for clubs in Italy. He said: “We Scots have a big heart and the mentality of working every day. The Scottish market is perfect for Italian teams. At Empoli three years ago I suggested taking Gilmour on loan.”
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