Everton are not expected to trigger Tyrique George's £25 million purchase option from Chelsea, according to reports from The Athletic. The Blues will instead consider negotiating a new deal with the London club, a strategy similar to their approach with Jack Grealish, though the two players are over a decade apart in age.
Grealish, the first £100 million English footballer after his 2021 move from Aston Villa to Manchester City, arrived on a season-long loan last August. Despite David Moyes' high regard for the winger, Everton are reluctant to pay the £50 million option due to his age (31 in September) and limited resale value. The club remains financially cautious following past PSR breaches and a recent Burnley legal ruling.
George's Loan Performance
George, who turned 20 shortly after arriving on Merseyside in January, made his debut on February 7 against Fulham, helping inspire a 2-1 comeback win. He started once, against Bournemouth, but struggled with poor touches and was substituted after 61 minutes. He made nine further substitute appearances, with his longest run-out being 28 minutes at Tottenham on the final day, where he forced a stoppage-time save from Antonin Kinsky.
Moyes praised George's attitude, saying: "We like Tyrique, obviously... he's been an excellent boy and his work rate and everything has been excellent, so we're happy with him." However, the manager noted that decisions on both loanees would be made over the summer.
Parallels with Tyler Dibling and Gary Lineker
Everton's stance may reflect caution after spending £35 million on Tyler Dibling last summer. The former Southampton wonderkid, once valued at £100 million, has struggled to impress in sporadic appearances. Moyes challenged Dibling: "I'd be thinking I better get my finger out and show the manager what I was really all about."
The situation also echoes Gary Lineker's 1985 move from Leicester City, when a tribunal set his fee after Howard Kendall argued the striker was "very raw" to lower the price. Kendall later reassured Lineker he would be a key player. If Everton decline the option, George would become a free agent, attracting other suitors.
What's Next for George?
With no new signings yet and a wafer-thin squad, Everton may still pursue a cheaper deal for George. However, the decision risks alienating the young player. As Moyes said, the club will "take it from there" as the summer progresses.
