Tyrique George could leave Chelsea in January in search of regular playing time | OneFootball

Chelsea youngster Tyrique George could be one of the first names to leave Stamford Bridge when the January transfer window opens, according to Sky chief Kaveh Solhekol.

The 19-year-old came close to joining Fulham last summer, but the transfer fell through on Deadline Day.

George told Chelsea that he wanted to leave in search of regular first-team football last summer, and the club decided not to stand in his way.

Fulham saw the Chelsea teenager as an ideal replacement for Harry Wilson, who had agreed to join newly promoted Leeds United.

However, the transfer chain broke down when Wilson’s move to Leeds collapsed. That forced the Cottagers to pull the plug on their £22 million move for George at the last minute.

The Cobham graduate had also attracted interest from several Champions League and Europa League clubs.

Serie A side AS Roma were among clubs looking to sign George, but Fulham seemed to have fended off competition for the talented winger.

While that transfer fell through, Chelsea shouldn’t have much trouble drumming up interest in the England youth international in January.

Since the summer transfer window closed, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has reintegrated him into the first team squad.

Described as “every full-back’s nightmare” by Chelsea legend Joe Cole, George has only managed five appearances across all competitions this season.

He has managed a goal and an assist in his limited time on the pitch, and they both came in Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Lincoln City in the EFL Cup third round.

George’s performance spared Maresca’s blushes as he scored a belter to level the scoreline three minutes into the second half, before setting up Facundo Buonanotte for his first Chelsea goal.

Chelsea are spoiled for choice in their attacking department, so George is aware he’d hardly get minutes.

The teenager is behind Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens, Pedro Neto, and Estevao Willian in Maresca’s plans, with the highly rated Geovany Quenda also set to join that crowded line-up next summer.

George has been deployed primarily as a striker, but Chelsea recognise that he’s a natural left winger and are willing to aid his search for regular minutes away from the Bridge.