Despite a series of sparks off the bench, the Toffees are baulking at a £25 million permanent deal, risking a bidding war for Chelsea’s promising young winger.
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Everton are not expected to trigger the buy option to sign Chelsea winger Tyrique George on a permanent transfer this summer.
George signed on loan at Everton back in January, joining the club for the second half of last season. David Moyes gave George sporadic opportunities after he signed on the dotted line, but he was far from a guaranteed starter.
When given a chance to express himself, usually off the bench, George certainly showed signs of potential. The England youth international was incredibly positive whenever he came off the bench, looking to make things happen in the final third.
George offered something Everton don't really have. A directness with his play that was positive and impactful, even when only given a chance off the bench.
Everton negotiated a buy option in the loan contract of George, allowing them to purchase him permanently this summer. The Toffees have been pondering their decision, and it appears they have now come to a final outcome.
Everton reach George decision
According to a report from The Athletic, Everton are not expected to trigger George's purchase option, which is worth in the region of £25m. Everton will consider whether to negotiate a new deal with Chelsea, seemingly hoping to agree on a lower fee.
Everton clearly do not want to pay the £25m to secure George, and previous reports have claimed that they have until the end of this month to turn the deal permanent.
Everton also have a decision to make on Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, with his loan deal expiring this summer. The report from The Athletic claims that Everton are open to keeping him, which is no surprise, but they will not be triggering the £50m purchase option.
Negotiating another loan deal before Grealish's contract expires next summer feels like the logical solution.
Everton playing risky game with George
Everton are playing a very risky game with George, as if they try to negotiate a separate deal for the Chelsea winger. This opens the door for others to make a move.
George will undoubtedly have further interest other than just Everton, and realistically Chelsea is still going to demand a fee in the region of £25 million.
The young winger is a highly rated, bright prospect, and it seems silly for the Toffees to turn their nose up at a potential deal.
Negotiating a lower fee is fine from a financial perspective, but it is a risky game if they want to ensure they secure his signature. There is a chance that the Merseyside club aren't too worried about whether he stays permanently or not. It would be the signing of a player who can not only make an immediate impact but also help long term.
It feels like the type of signing that Everton will regret not getting over the line. I previously discussed Everton having a big decision to make on the Chelsea winger, and my outcome would be to still sign him permanently and simply trigger the £25m fee.