Despite starting the season on a fine vein of form for Chelsea, Tyrique George continues to be linked with an exit — Crystal Palace are the frontrunners.
George has been a useful piece for Enzo Maresca to start the campaign, filling in at striker and on the wings when needed.
But he hasn’t done enough to quell the rumours of an exit. Chelsea came close to selling George to Fulham on deadline day, with Roma also flirting with a move, but nothing came of either.
Chelsea are giving George a say in his future, not intending to force him out, but heavy links to Crystal Palace suggest the 19-year-old is open to a change of scenery.
Tyrique George celebrates his goal with Chelsea teammate Jamie Gittens
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Crystal Palace step up their pursuit of Tyrique George
A switch to Selhurst Park might be perfect for George, staying in London at a side who look like having a competitive Premier League campaign.
Oliver Glasner’s knack for improving attackers similar to George is sure to add to the appeal.
New reports suggest the Eagles are already accelerating talks with Chelsea for a move in January, as Aaron Ramiro reveals.
With a view of leaping the competition, Palace are already discussing a potential buy with the Blues.
Palace have done extremely well considering the departures they have had to deal with. It’s possible they look at George — still a teenager — and think he can take up the mantle Eberechi Eze held before his move to Arsenal.
Chelsea could rue Tyrique George sale
George has three goals in eight appearances for Chelsea, of which just three were starts.
He has looked extremely sharp wherever Maresca has deployed him, showing undeniable attacking talent.
It’s true, Chelsea are overstaffed when it comes to young, wide talent, with Estevao Willian set to be joined by another teenager, Geovany Quenda, next summer, and Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens also still incredibly young.
But George’s versatility offers something different. Lee Carsley said George can be a striker going forward, and he has backed up that claim on a couple of occasions already this season.
Would Chelsea look back in five years and regret letting him leave to a Premier League rival? It’s certainly within the realms of possibility.