The winger has sealed a switch to Everton after impressing while on loan at the club in the second half of last season
Tyrique George during an Everton training session at Finch Farm
Tyrique George during an Everton training session at Finch Farm(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC/SmartFrame)
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Everton have signed Tyrique George from Chelsea in a deal worth an initial £18m.
The winger spent the second half of last season on loan at the Blues, making one start across 11 appearances. He impressed in several of those cameos and those glimpses of promise, coupled with his efforts in training, convinced Everton to pursue a permanent deal for the 20-year-old.
That was agreed over the weekend, paving the way for personal terms to be signed off and George to become the club’s third signing of the summer.
Upon signing a four-year contract with Everton, the England Under-21 international said: “I’m so happy to sign for Everton. I loved my time here on loan last season, so as soon as I knew it was a possibility to return, that's always what I wanted.
"This is a massive club. I've seen for myself how passionate the fans are about Everton, how much it means to them – and I want to put on good performances, score goals, and create goals to make them happy.
"The fans and the boys in the changing room made me feel welcome as soon as I arrived in February. It's a strong group that's only going to get better. I'm excited for what is ahead for us as a group and club.”
George arrived on Merseyside in a loan deal struck back in February as the Blues came to terms with the loss of Jack Grealish for the remainder of the season due to injury. His appearance from the bench at Fulham helped inspire a comeback win on his Everton debut and led to him starting the following game, a home defeat to Bournemouth.
That was his only start and his opportunities were limited - but he did help to effect several games towards the end of the season.
George neither recorded a goal nor an assist in Royal Blue but created multiple good chances for team-mates at decisive moments in big games against West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Sunderland.
His arrival on the pitch for the final stages of the last game of the season, at Tottenham Hotspur, shifted the dynamic of that match and only a fine Antonin Kinsky stop prevented him from a stunning late equaliser.
Everton’s loan agreement included an option to make George’s switch permanent. The ECHO reported in May that David Moyes was open to securing his return, but only if Chelsea were willing to negotiate those terms.
Talks to restructure the deal gathered pace last week before the clubs agreed an initial £18m deal, with a further £6m in add-ons.
Looking forward to pushing on from last season, George said: “There is a lot more to come from me and with the manager, the coaches and my team-mates, I know I'm in a great place to show it.
“Everton is an environment that demands hard work from everyone, and I will give everything. To be in for the start of pre-season is something I was keen on. Now I'm really excited to get going again.”
George is Everton’s third signing of the summer. Merlin Rohl's loan move from Freiburg became permanent after the Blues avoided relegation, triggering their obligation to buy him in an £18m deal. Hayden Hackney then arrived from Middlesbrough last week in a £16.5m transfer that could rise to near £25m.
On the addition of George, Moyes said: "We’re pleased to bring Tyrique back on a permanent basis. He made a positive impression during his loan spell with us last season and settled into the group quickly.
“He’s still young and there’s plenty of development ahead of him, but we believe he’s got the attitude and the ability to keep improving. We’re looking forward to working with him again and helping him fulfil his potential.”