Everton have signed Tyrique George from Chelsea on an initial loan deal (Image: Everton FC)
Everton have signed Tyrique George from Chelsea on an initial loan deal (Image: Everton FC)
Everton have signed Tyrique George from Chelsea on loan. The deal was confirmed late on after a quiet month burst into life in the closing hours of the window.
The 19-year-old will now bolster ’ attacking options, crucially giving him another option on the left wing after the club was rocked by the loss of Jack Grealish to a serious foot injury midway through the month. The deal does give the option to sign George on a permanent basis in the summer.
The pursuit of the England Under-21 international after it became clear the stress fracture to his foot would leave Manchester City loanee Grealish out of action for a substantial period of time - potentially the whole of the second half of the season.
Everton had explored alternative options, including Fulham’s Harry Wilson, who is out-of-contract in the summer, but ultimately decided to seek a deal for an England youth international who has been at Stamford Bridge since joining Chelsea at Under-8s.
He has since gone on to make 37 senior appearances, including 11 this season. He scored in the club’s victory over Ajax and was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s final victories in last season’s Europa Conference League and Club World Cup.
Upon signing for the club, George said: "I’m really excited to be here and to enjoy this massive club. I just can’t wait to get started. The fans here are exceptional.
"I know Evertonians are really passionate. They like hard work – and that’s what I’m going to show. I want to be exciting and I want to impress them.
"The gaffer – David Moyes – was another reason [I wanted to join]. He’s an amazing manager who has coached so many players, like Wayne Rooney, and players like that. I've had a brief conversation with him and he's an amazing person as well. I just want to enjoy it, learn under him and improve."
While young - and an England youth teammate of Everton winger Tyler Dibling - George is hopeful of making an immediate impact and wants to help the Blues push for Europe.
He said: "I feel ready, ready to make an impact. It feels like an exciting time for the club.
"I’m going to attack this new challenge. I want to hit the ground running as quickly as possible and hopefully I can do that. I've seen some pictures of [Hill Dickinson Stadium]. It's massive and looks amazing, so I'm really looking forward to playing there.
"Getting European football for next season is a good target for us and I know everyone will be working hard to achieve it. I want to come here and help the team win as many games as possible and keep climbing up the table."
On the arrival of George, Blues boss Moyes said: "“We are pleased to have signed Tyrique on loan from Chelsea for the remainder of the season.
"Tyrique is a versatile forward who can play all across the front line. I hope he will settle quickly into our squad, and the support from our fans will definitely help him feel at home.
"We are looking forward to working with him.”