How George's value has risen
- Published
Chelsea's latest high-profile academy prospect Tyrique George's breakthrough season has included Carabao Cup games against Barrow and Morecambe, substitute league appearances against Arsenal and Brighton, and almost 600 minutes in 10 Conference League games, including a goal in the quarter-final first leg win at Legia Warsaw.
George was promoted from the academy team to the first team on 19 December, six months after he and defender Josh Acheampong signed new deals in June 2024.
That decision to sign a three-year contract, plus an optional fourth year, raised eyebrows among multiple academy sources at Chelsea.
Internal talk was that he might get lost among £1bn of talent - including another summer influx of talented young forwards - signed since the change of ownership in 2022.
However, head coach Enzo Maresca gave George a chance in pre-season and sources say the Italian's backing helped keep him at Stamford Bridge.
And FootballTransfers.com says George's rapid progress has seen his estimated transfer value increase from £2m in December to more than £10m now - and rising.
He has now scored two goals, got four assists and made a total of 21 appearances across all competitions this season.
Speaking in December, George said: "The trust Enzo has in me gives me a great feeling. He knows me from training with him all season."
Maresca had studied Chelsea, including the academy before joining, impressing in his interviews with the club of his knowledge of players. He will have known George racked up a combined 33 goals and assists last season while being nominated for goal of the season for a strike against Crystal Palace.
Fellow academy graduate Colwill said of George this month: "He's here because he is an amazing player. He is not here to sit on the bench - he is here to play."
