RB Leipzig have reportedly enquired about the possibility of signing 19-year-old Chelsea player Tyrique George as part of negotiations for Xavi Simons.
The young Englishman is open to a permanent move away from Chelsea this summer. Netherlands international Xavi Simons is understood to be on the verge of becoming part of the Conference League winners, after giving big hints about his future on social media at the weekend.
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Simons was left out of Leipzig’s squad for the 2-1 defeat to Atalanta BC in a friendly on Saturday due to his impending move to Stamford Bridge, which is expected to be finalised in the coming days.
George wants permanent exit
The midfielder will be brought in for a direct money transfer and will compete with the likes of Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens, Cole Palmer and Estevão for space on the wings.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca also has talented 19-year-old Tyrique George in his squad, and it was reported earlier this year that the youngster (born 2006) was about to get a new contract after his breakthrough in the first team in West London.
But now transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Tyrique George is seeking a way out of Chelsea this summer, and a permanent transfer is not inconceivable.
Leipzig show interest
Chelsea reportedly want to keep the young Englishman, but George is concerned about reduced playing time following the arrivals of Simons and Gittens, while the club is also linked with Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
As a result, Chelsea “respect” his desire to find a club where he will get more playing time, and Leipzig have now shown their interest in the academy player. According to Romano, the German negotiating partners asked about George during the Simons negotiations.
Romano adds that George will come to the Red Bull Arena in a separate deal, but Leipzig will have to outperform Borussia Mönchengladbach to secure the 19-year-old.
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Career at Chelsea
George joined Chelsea as a schoolboy in 2014 and made 26 appearances for Maresca’s side in all competitions last year, scoring three goals and providing five assists – including his first Premier League goal against Fulham in April.
However, the teenager only played 48 minutes during the Club World Cup, where he came on as a substitute and scored against Esperance de Tunis in the group stage, but was left as an unused substitute in the play-offs.
More could leave Chelsea
While Chelsea continue to hoard wingers at a rapid pace, it’s no surprise that George is looking to find new opportunities. A move to Leipzig could be a win-win deal.
The 19-year-old will follow in the footsteps of João Félix (Al-Nassr), Noni Madueke (Arsenal) and Kendry Páez (Strasbourg – loan) out of Stamford Bridge, with more attackers expected to follow before September 1.
Raheem Sterling (30) has no future at the club after his disastrous loan spell at Arsenal, while Mykhaylo Mudryk’s future is uncertain as he battles a doping allegation from the FA.
Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku could also be sold for the right price, while strikers Armando Broja and Marc Guiu are understood to be close to a move to Burnley and Sunderland respectively.
