Chelsea agreed to sell this player weeks ago, now he’s integral to Enzo Maresca’s plans
Enzo Maresca implemented many changes to the Chelsea squad before the Premier League campaign kicked off last month.
Joao Pedro arrived at Chelsea, alongside the likes of Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, and Alejandro Garnacho, though not all have made the expected impact since joining the Blues.
Delap picked up a new injury against Fulham, lasting just 14 minutes before hobbling off the pitch with a hamstring injury, joining a whole host of teammates on the treatment table this season.
While it has been a frustration for Maresca, some of his fringe players have taken the opportunity to shine in their absence, and one player in particular, who nearly left Stamford Bridge during the summer.
Tyrique George makes an incredible comeback at Chelsea
Fulham had an agreement in place to sign Tyrique George for £22million, but the move fell through at the 11th hour on transfer deadline day after the signing of Kevin and the decision to keep Harry Wilson.
Rumours were circulating over his future weeks before the window closed, with clubs from all over Europe reportedly keeping tabs on the 19-year-old’s signature.
However, Maresca might now be thanking his lucky stars that the Blues were forced to keep hold of the youngster, who is now being handed the opportunity to thrive in the first team.
Injuries to Delap, Marc Guiu, and Cole Palmer have all left a gaping hole in the final third, and despite all of the Blues’ summer signings, there are very few options for the manager to fall back on.
How has George done so far this season?
After being given the nod against Lincoln City midweek, George has now equalled his goalscoring record for the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign, having also scored at the Club World Cup in June.
In the Premier League, he is just 40 short of playing the same number of minutes as he did all of last season, and the Blues have only played five games so far.
All of these signs point towards a very successful breakout season for George, who absolutely deserves it after sticking by Chelsea‘s plans and pushing himself to do everything in his power to make an impact.
Numbers in front of goal will only follow as he is given more opportunities, and from what Maresca has seen from him so far, there is no doubt that George is growing into an integral member of the squad.