Chelsea FC have announced they have taken up an option to extend young midfielder Billy Gilmour’s contract.
The 21-year-old, from Ardrossan, spent last season on loan at Premier League rivals Norwich City, though has previously made 22 appearances for his parent club.
The new deal takes advantage of an option in the youngster’s previous contract, which allowed Chelsea to extend this a further two years.
It means he will be on board with the London club until at least 2024.
Gilmour joined Chelsea from Rangers back in the summer of 2017, spending two successful years in their famous academy.
He won several trophies in that set up, then earned his first professional contract before making his first team debut aged just 18.
READ MORE: Billy Gilmour’s younger brother signs first professional contract
Then manager Frank Lampard brought the Ardrossan star on for the closing minutes of the match – before he eventually became a permanent fixture in his starting side. It was that year which he signed his previous four-year-deal at The Bridge.
He went from strength to strength, winning successive man of the match awards versus Liverpool and Everton, before the season was halted due to the Covid pandemic.
He remained a very active squad member following the English Premier League restart, before an injury brought to an end his maiden season of senior football.
He made his comeback in the 2020/21 season, though appearances were limited under new boss Thomas Tuchel – but he did get his hands on the Champions League trophy, as he was part of Chelsea’s squad which marched to glory that year.
READ MORE: Billy Gilmour: Ardrossan midfielder achieves European glory
He spent this past season on loan at Norwich City, where he played 28 times, clocking up 2,000 minutes for the side – though he was unable to prevent the Canaries dropping back into the Championship after a single season in the top flight.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, he has also become a major part of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad, starring in the nation’s first major tournament appearance in 22 years.
READ MORE: Billy Gilmour: Ardrossan midfielder starts for Scotland at Wembley
