Everton and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of Tyrique George, extending their streak of summer dealings to four consecutive windows. The 20-year-old winger, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton, is expected to become the club's third signing of the summer after Merlin Rohl's loan was made permanent and Hayden Hackney's arrival last week.
Deal Details
Everton had an option to buy George within the original loan agreement, but as the ECHO reported in May, the club's willingness to keep him depended on Chelsea being open to revising those terms. Chelsea agreed to negotiate, leading to the breakthrough in recent days. Unless any late issues emerge, George will join permanently.
History of Business Between the Clubs
The relationship between Everton and Chelsea has been fruitful since summer 2023, when Everton youngster Ishe Samuels-Smith moved to Stamford Bridge. Samuels-Smith, who had made the first-team bench at age 16 under Frank Lampard, has since had spells at Strasbourg and Swansea City and is expected to be assessed by Xabi Alonso after recovering from quadriceps surgery.
Subsequent deals have mostly flowed from Chelsea to Everton. On deadline day in 2024, Armando Broja joined Everton on a dramatic after-hours loan, though he arrived injured and struggled for fitness, failing to score for the club. Last summer, Everton paid £25 million for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who became a key player, scoring eight goals in his first season at Hill Dickinson Stadium. In January, the clubs agreed a loan for George as a replacement for the injured Jack Grealish.
Potential Fifth Deal
There remains a possibility of further business between the clubs, with Everton manager David Moyes interested in Chelsea striker Liam Delap. Moyes attempted to sign Delap from Ipswich Town last summer but lost out to Chelsea. Although the forward endured a tough season, Moyes remains a fan. However, a striker is not necessarily a priority for Everton this window.
