Billy Gilmour, Kenedy and Ethan Ampadu yet to be assigned Chelsea shirt numbers
Thomas Tuchel continues his revamp of the squad despite the new season being within touching distance. Now the trio of Billy Gilmour, Kenedy and Ethan Ampadu are heading into an uncertain future.
According to the Evening Standard (h/t Express) Gilmour, Kenedy and Ampadu have not been assigned squad numbers. This could indicate that the trio are not in Tuchel’s plans for next season. A cruel appraisal, given the promise the players have shown.
It would come as little surprise as the trio have been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer. And not being assigned shirt numbers do very little to shush the rumours.
Gilmour spent the last season on loan at Norwich City. The 21-year-old had a tough time at Carrow Road. He was subject to criticism by the crowd due to his poor performance in the midfield. If that was not enough his return too was not good.
After being included in the squad for pre-season, he was sent to train with the Under-21 team midway through the pre-season. The player has now been linked with a loan move to Everton with a reunion with former manager Frank Lampard looking very likely.
Kenedy spent the first half of last season on loan at Flamengo. He returned back in January and struggled to get any playing time. The Brazilian could manage to make only one league appearance for the Blues last season. He has now been linked with a move back to his native country.
As for Ampadu, the 21-year-old also spent last season on loan at Serie A side Venezia. A regular there, he made a total of 30 appearances for the club in all competitions. He is now said to be linked with a move to Serie A minnows Spezia.
All three players spent last season on loan and might not have a big role to play in Tuchel’s plans for the 2022/23 season. Should they stay back, it is very likely that they will struggle for game time, something they can get if they leave.
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The trio’s departures will also help in reducing the wage bill up to a certain limit and freeing up some space in the squad. It remains to be seen where all three end up and whether we will regret potentially selling them.
