Chelsea Lock In Major Permanent Signing as January Transfer Spree Takes Shape
Chelsea are anticipated to finalize a permanent departure for Tyrique George this month during a transfer window that is expected to be characterized by departures rather than arrivals, according to a recent report.
The youth academy product came close to departing his childhood club last summer. A £22 million ($29.6 million) agreement had been reached with Fulham but fell through on Transfer Deadline Day. Following four additional months of limited playing time—George has yet to earn a single Premier League starting position this season—it seems January will mark his final month with the club.
Despite the arrival of Liam Rosenior, who excluded George from his matchday roster for Saturday's 5–1 victory over Charlton Athletic, Chelsea are "anticipated" to proceed with a "permanent sale" of the 19-year-old, according to The Athletic.
The destination for George's potential move remains uncertain. Multiple unnamed clubs in England and across Europe are believed to be showing interest. Italian Serie A side Roma were previously connected with the England youth representative during the summer but seem to have redirected their attention toward Aston Villa's Donyell Malen and Marseille talent Robinho Vaz.
George is far from the only Chelsea peripheral player considering a departure.
The sidelined pair of Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling have also been strongly connected with ending their current situations. Sterling is reportedly interested in a permanent transfer to Fulham in January, though an overseas move hasn't been completely dismissed. Roma and AC Milan have been mentioned as potential suitors for Disasi.
Chelsea Tipped to Recall Record-Breaking Wonderkid
Chelsea Tipped to Recall Record-Breaking Wonderkid
The identical Athletic report suggests that Chelsea are "contemplating" bringing back 18-year-old Ecuador international Kendry Páez. The record-setting prodigy agreed to join Chelsea two-and-a-half years ago but is still eagerly awaiting his debut senior appearance for the club.
Páez was acquired as a 16-year-old when he was already established in Ecuador's premier division and representing his country at senior level. The left-footed creative midfielder was finally permitted to relocate to Europe this past summer after reaching 18, before being immediately loaned to Chelsea's affiliated club Strasbourg.
Notably, Chelsea's current manager Rosenior was leading the French club during the first portion of the season when Páez found it difficult to secure regular playing time. The youngster received only four starting opportunities from the team's initial 19 league matches and his return is likely to be followed by another loan arrangement.
Should Páez be loaned to an English team, that would create another international loan position which could potentially be utilized by players such as Sterling or Disasi.