Everton have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign winger Tyrique George on a permanent transfer in a deal that could be worth up to £24m, with the move also attracting interest in Nigeria because the player remains eligible to represent the Super Eagles.
The agreement marks a significant moment in the 20-year-old’s career after an impressive loan spell at Goodison Park convinced Everton to pursue a long-term deal.
Under the terms of the agreement, Everton will pay an initial £18m, while a further £6m could become payable if George meets a series of performance-related targets. Those bonuses include appearance milestones and the club qualifying for European competition.
Chelsea have also secured a 15% sell-on clause, ensuring they would receive a share of any future transfer fee should Everton decide to sell the winger.
The transfer comes after Everton opted against activating an earlier purchase option worth £25m that had been included in George’s loan agreement. Instead, the club reopened negotiations with Chelsea and succeeded in agreeing a lower guaranteed fee.
George spent the second half of last season on loan with Everton, making 11 Premier League appearances. His performances, characterised by pace, attacking intent and energy on the wing, impressed manager David Moyes, who encouraged the club to secure his services on a permanent basis.
The move is expected to be finalised once the winger successfully completes a medical and agrees personal terms with the Merseyside club.
George is also set to become Everton’s second major arrival of the summer transfer window following the signing of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, as Moyes continues reshaping his squad before the start of the new Premier League campaign.
Beyond club football, the transfer is also likely to be followed closely in Nigeria because George remains eligible to represent the country’s senior national team.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is monitoring the winger’s progress as Nigeria continues to identify talented players with dual nationality who could strengthen the national side.
George was born in Camden, London, and qualifies to play for Nigeria through his Nigerian father. He is also eligible for Ghana through his mother and remains an option for England.
Although he has represented England at youth level from the Under-15 side through to the Under-21s, he has yet to make a competitive senior international appearance. That means he is still free to choose which nation he wishes to represent at senior level.
His eligibility has placed him on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation and Chelle, who have been seeking to expand the pool of players available to the Super Eagles.
George has also spoken publicly about his Nigerian heritage during an interview while at Chelsea, further increasing interest from Nigerian football officials.
For Everton, the agreement represents another important addition as the club prepares for a new Premier League season under Moyes, with George expected to provide further attacking options after demonstrating his potential during his loan spell.
At the same time, his development at club level could have wider implications internationally, with Nigeria, England and Ghana all remaining potential destinations for his senior international career until he makes a competitive appearance for one of those nations.
