Goodison Park has got its man. After a loan spell that promised more than it delivered in terms of minutes, Tyrique George is set to make his move to...
Goodison Park has got its man. After a loan spell that promised more than it delivered in terms of minutes, Tyrique George is set to make his move to Everton permanent. GoalZaza can confirm that a £25m agreement has been struck between the two Premier League sides, a deal that speaks volumes about the club's faith in the youngster's potential.Let's be honest, the second half of last season was more about acclimatisation than fireworks for George. He showed flashes of the raw pace and direct running that made him such a coveted prospect at Cobham, but he also looked like a player learning the brutal realities of a relegation scrap. Sean Dyche doesn't hand out starts on a platter, especially to wide men who need time to adapt to the physical demands of a low block and the pressure of playing without the ball. Yet, the fact that Everton are now willing to put down a significant wedge for a 20 year old suggests they have seen enough in his training ground application and those brief cameos to be convinced.What does this mean for Chelsea Well, it is a pure profit sale, which is music to the ears of their financial compliance team. For a player who was never quite going to force his way into Enzo Maresca's first team plans, a £25m fee represents smart business. But from a footballing perspective, it is a gamble. George has genuine transitional ability; he can stretch a backline and create chaos in the final third. If he polishes his final ball and adds a bit more end product, this could be a masterstroke from the Everton board. If not, it is a hefty price tag for a player who remains very much a project.For the player himself, this is the right call. He needs regular football, not the occasional Carabao Cup runout. At Goodison, especially with the new stadium on the horizon, he has a chance to become a fan favourite. The question now is whether Dyche, or whoever is in the dugout next season, can unlock that consistency. £25m is a serious commitment. It tells you that Everton are not just buying a promise; they are buying a player they believe can deliver in the Premier League. Now the real work begins for Tyrique George. Can he justify that price tag We are about to find out.
