Everton have just pulled off signing who's at Eli Junior Kroupi's level - transfer guru
Everton have pulled off a superb bit of business by signing Tyrique George from Chelsea for just £24million.
That is the opinion of former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 20-year-old has signed for an initial £18m with up to £6m in add-ons, after spending the second half of the season on loan at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
George has signed a contract until 2030 with Everton and can play across the front-line, providing a serious boost to David Moyes' attacking options.
The fee has been recognised as good business for the Toffees for a talented player who scored his first senior goals in 2025.
In just 37 senior appearances for Chelsea and only 15 starts, George produced an impressive six goals and six assists.
David Moyes ally impressed by Tyrique George deal
In a summer of extraordinary fees, it is rare to see a good deal. It feels as if Everton have got one with George, however.
Eli Junior Kroupi had an amazing season and is much more highly rated than George, but the disparity between each player's ability does not seem to match the disparity in fees.
Tottenham have reportedly offered £85million for the Bournemouth forward, and that is not expected to be anywhere near enough to see him leave this summer.
"When you think of Tottenham offering £85m for the French boy, I mean, to get this kid, England under-21 international, he's the same age as the French boy," King told Football Insider.
"I think it's a very good move. I'd like to think they're going to play him down the right-hand side."
He added: "This has been a thought-out signing, that's for sure. This is an Everton way of signing players. It's gone back because they've got James Smith back there now, who's head of recruitment, who was with Moyesey when I was there.
"And it seems like one of those signings where there's been quite a bit of work done, you know, watched him, seen him. When I worked for Everton, it always used to be: 'Is he an Everton player?' So they obviously think that this kid's going to be an Everton player, that's for sure."
What did George say after signing for Everton?
Doubters will say that Chelsea would not have let George go if they were convinced that he will become a top player.
The turnover of players at Stamford Bridge is hard to keep track of, however, and future stars have often slipped through the net.
"This is a massive club. I've seen for myself how passionate the fans are about Everton, how much it means to them – and I want to put on good performances, score goals and create goals to make them happy," George told the club's website after confirmation of his return.
"The fans and the boys in the changing room made me feel welcome as soon as I arrived in February. It's a strong group that's only going to get better."