Everton loan George from Chelsea as McNeil's Palace move falls through

Everton have completed the loan signing of Chelsea youngster Tyrique George, while Dwight McNeil's late move to Crystal Palace fell through.

George will spend the rest of the 2025-26 season with the Toffees, who also have the option to make the move permanent in the summer.

The 19-year-old has made just four appearances in the Premier League this season, but has directly contributed to three goals in as many EFL Cup matches (two goals, one assist) and scored once in the Champions League.

George, an England Under-21 international, made 13 appearances for the Blues in their successful Conference League campaign last term, scoring once and assisting twice, while he was also on the scoresheet at the Club World Cup last summer.

"I feel ready, ready to make an impact," George told the Everton website. "It feels like an exciting time for the club.

"I’m going to attack this new challenge. I want to hit the ground running as quickly as possible and hopefully I can do that.

"The gaffer, David Moyes, was another reason [I wanted to join]. He’s an amazing manager who has coached so many players, like Wayne Rooney, and players like that. I've had a brief conversation with him and he's an amazing person as well.

"I just want to enjoy it, learn under him and improve."

Everton were in the market for another wide player after Jack Grealish sustained a potentially season-ending foot injury last month.

The Toffees had also planned to offload McNeil on deadline day, but the winger's proposed £20m move to Palace fell through at the final stages, reportedly as a result of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s failed transfer to AC Milan.

George, meanwhile, was one of many deals completed by Chelsea on deadline day.

Centre-back Mamadou Sarr has returned from his loan spell at Strasbourg.

David Fofana and Aaron Anselmino, who was recalled from his loan at Borussia Dortmund, will both spend the rest of the season at the Ligue 1 club.