Tyrique George has moved from Chelsea to Everton on an initial six-month loan designed to give the winger a fresh opportunity.

George’s pathway into senior football has seen limited recent involvement. He has made just 11 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea and has not featured in the Premier League since a five-minute cameo in late October. In the 15 matches that followed that appearance he has been included in a matchday squad only once.

Everton identified the teenage winger as a short-term replacement for the injured Jack Grealish, who is on loan from Manchester City. Grealish may not play again this season because of a foot injury. As part of the agreement, Everton have secured an option to sign George permanently at the end of the loan.

On joining Everton George offered a clear statement of intent. “I’m really excited to be here and to enjoy this massive club. I just can’t wait to get started,” George said . “The fans here are exceptional. I know Evertonians are really passionate. They like hard work—and that’s what I’m going to show. I want to be exciting and I want to impress them.”

George first drew widespread attention while in Chelsea’s academy with a string of long-range strikes that increased calls for senior involvement, which arrived in April 2024. He was permanently promoted to the senior side towards the end of that year and went on to make 37 appearances under former manager Enzo Maresca, with most minutes coming in cup competitions. Across that period he recorded six goals and six assists.

The loan move to Everton offers George a chance to rebuild momentum and gain consistent first-team minutes. Everton have the option to convert the arrangement into a permanent transfer should the winger’s contributions meet the club’s expectations during the initial six-month period.

Chelsea have confirmed the return of Mamadou Sarr from his loan spell at Strasbourg as the club respond to a request from manager Rosenior for an additional centre back.

The 20-year-old Senegal international has completed his move back to Chelsea and is expected to play a significant role under Rosenior. Sarr worked regularly with Rosenior during their time at Strasbourg; he was named captain by Rosenior during the first half of this season despite being on loan.

The search for defensive cover had briefly included Rennes’ Jérémy Jacquet, but Jacquet was unavailable before opting to join Liverpool. Chelsea then turned to a solution closer to home. Aarón Anselmino was controversially recalled from a loan with Borussia Dortmund but, rather than remain with Chelsea, the Argentine has been sent to Strasbourg in place of Sarr.

Sarr is described as a modern-day defender, combining mobility and technical proficiency with a clear understanding of Rosenior’s methods and tactics. That familiarity should ease his transition back to Stamford Bridge and into Rosenior’s plans.

Chelsea have been without the specific central centre back profile since Levi Colwill’s injury during the summer, and Sarr is comfortable in the fabled central centre back role. He can also operate on either the right or left of a back three if required, providing tactical flexibility.

The club’s decision to recall Sarr and send Anselmino to Strasbourg effectively swaps two loaned players between Chelsea and Strasbourg, reshaping the short-term defensive options available to Rosenior. With Sarr returning to the squad, Chelsea add a young, trusted option who already understands the manager’s expectations and is ready to be integrated into matchday selections.

Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes in the summer, with a fee reported to be up to €72 million (£62.4 million, $85.4 million). Fabrice Hawkins was first to reveal that the Reds have agreed terms to bring the 20-year-old to Anfield. Jacquet had an early preference for Chelsea but changed his mind and opted for Merseyside instead.

The urgency at Liverpool helps explain the switch. Anfield has been stretched at centre back all season: the club missed out on Marc Guéhi during the summer and lost Giovanni Leoni to a season-ending injury. The need for reinforcements may increase in the summer, with Ibrahima Konaté in the final six months of his contract. If Konaté departs, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and the inexperienced Leoni would be Arne Slot’s only senior centre backs.

Guéhi was available again this winter but Liverpool chose not to compete with Manchester City. According to The Athletic, those in charge at Anfield believe Jacquet offers better long-term value for money. Despite his age, Jacquet has impressed with maturity, the attributes of a modern defender and comfort on the ball. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg even reports Manchester United made a late, unsuccessful approach.

Jacquet’s thinking was also shaped by the contrasting environments at Liverpool and Chelsea. Earlier in the window he was believed to be keen on joining Chelsea, with an agreement over personal terms reached early in negotiations. Sky Sports News report that Jacquet grew concerned about his role in a crowded Chelsea squad. Chelsea currently have four senior centre backs available to manager Liam Rosenior—Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Benoît Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo—with Levi Colwill to return from injury in the summer.

Chelsea have rebuffed interest in 19-year-old Josh Acheampong, insisting the teenager will have a path to the first team, and the impending return of loanee Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg will add further competition. In a system that operates with two starting centre backs, opportunities would be shared and Jacquet is believed to have developed concerns.

At Liverpool, by contrast, he would be immediately in contention for a starting role and, should Konaté leave, would become Virgil van Dijk’s new starting partner. With only hours before the window closes, Chelsea are focused on recalling Sarr. The 20-year-old will be Chelsea’s new “signing” on Deadline Day.