Everton are not expected to trigger their option to sign Chelsea forward Tyrique George for around £25 million, although the club retain an interest in the player and could seek to negotiate different terms with Chelsea, according to Patrick Boyland of The Athletic.
The update represents a notable shift in Everton’s pursuit of the 19-year-old, who has been linked with a permanent move to Merseyside during the summer window.
While the club are not currently expected to activate the agreed option, Boyland reports that interest remains and discussions with Chelsea could continue if Everton believe a deal can be reached on more favourable terms.
George is one of several younger players Everton have considered as they look to reshape their attacking options ahead of the new season; the difference with George being that he spent the last three months of the season on loan at the Hill Dickinson.
The same update also sheds further light on Everton’s interest in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
Talks over a potential move are continuing, although Everton are not alone in their pursuit of the England Under-21 international, with other clubs also in the race for his signature.
Supporters can keep up with the latest developments via Everton’s transfer news pages.
Two deals still in play for Everton
Neither situation appears close to a conclusion, but both remain ‘in-progress’ as Everton continue work on summer recruitment.
Hackney has been among the club’s leading midfield targets for several weeks, with the 23-year-old regarded as one of the Championship’s standout performers. Competition for his signature was always expected, and Boyland’s report suggests that remains the case.
The position regarding George is slightly different. Rather than ending Everton’s interest, the decision not to trigger the reported £25m option appears to reflect the club’s current valuation of the player.
Whether that leads to further negotiations with Chelsea remains to be seen, but the door has not been closed.
According to a fresh update from Boyland, Everton continue to monitor both situations as recruitment work continues ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
