Everton had a bit of frantic end to the transfer window, with Tyrique George signing in from Chelsea.
Everton required a deal sheet to complete the move, with the youngster’s move being confirmed after the 7pm deadline.
Everton News columnist Alan Myers Q&A session on TalkingPoints.
Credit: GRV Media
It’s a move that has left Evertonians excited. George is seen as a very bright English prospect, who can bring traits that the Toffees have been sorely lacking.
Indeed, Alan Stubbs has praised George and believes his pace could really benefit Everton.
In the end, George was the only arrival of the month for Everton – and essentially he is the replacement for the injured Jack Grealish.
Yesterday though, it was claimed Everton did actually consider a move for Raheem Sterling, who recently became a free agent.
And there’s an argument to say that The Friedkin Group avoided a real mistake.
Deadline day is now done… what’s your thoughts, Toffees? 😬
What more could have been done? 🫣
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Everton right not to sign Raheem Sterling
It was claimed by The Athletic that Everton weighed up a move to sign Sterling after he terminated his contract with Chelsea by mutual consent.
There is technically still a chance that Everton could make a move because Sterling is a free agent now.
However, with Dwight McNeil’s move to Crystal Palace collapsing at the eleventh hour, there is less of a need for another winger.
But even had McNeil gone, it still wouldn’t have been so wise for Everton to sign Sterling.
Raheem Sterling playing for Chelsea.
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Ultimately, this is a player who has not made a single appearance this season and has been training alone for months. His last competitive appearance came on the final day of last season when he was playing on loan for Arsenal. So there cannot be much match sharpness at the moment.
Last term for the Gunners, Sterling was criticised for his form, scoring just one goal in 28 appearances and making five assists. Most of his appearances were from the bench.
Sterling did well in the 2023/24 season with Chelsea, scoring 10 and making 11 assists in 43 appearances. But Everton simply could not be taking the risk of signing him now, given how long it’s been since he last played well.
Then there is the question of wages.
Sterling just terminated his contract that saw him earning £325,000 per week (via Sky Sports). So Chelsea have saved £25 million by letting him go.
Assuming he would have wanted somewhere near that amount from his next club, then Everton would have had to obliterate their wage structure, which is never wise.
Dan and Ryan Friedkin watching AS Roma.
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George was a great addition by Everton
The Friedkin Group should be commended for not being tempted by a move for Sterling. Perhaps under the previous ownership the club would have made a move.
But TFG did make one exciting signing from Chelsea in the form of George, who is a player big things are expected of.
Could we see George as a number nine? 😮
Lee Carsley on Tyrique George.
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Sterling has been on the decline for years now but George, by contrast, has the potential to become a household name in the Premier League.
The talented teenager will provide that pace and unpredictability in the wide areas, which is what Everton have been crying out for.
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