World Cup winner hails ‘huge club’ Everton’s smart transfer move

France World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has been discussing Tyrique George’s move from Chelsea to Everton

France World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has proclaimed Everton as being “a huge club” while hailing Tyrique George’s transfer from Chelsea as “a smart move.”

George, who had been at Chelsea since he was in their under-8s team, played 37 senior times at senior level for the Stamford Bridge outfit, scoring six goals.

The Londoner joined Everton on loan for the rest of the season on February 2 – the final day of the winter window – some 48 hours before his 20th birthday, with an option to make a permanent move. He made 11 appearances for David Moyes’ men last season, all but one of which came off the bench.

Although Everton declined the chance to take up their option on George – understood to have been set at a £25million fee – they negotiated his price down to acquire him permanently for an up front base price of £18m with the deal being confirmed on July 6.

On returning to Hill Dickinson Stadium, George said: “I’m so happy to sign for Everton. I loved my time here on loan last season, so as soon as I knew it was a possibility to return, that’s always what I wanted.

“This is a massive club. I’ve seen for myself how passionate the fans are about Everton, how much it means to them – and I want to put on good performances, score goals, and create goals to make them happy.

“The fans and the boys in the changing room made me feel welcome as soon as I arrived in February. It’s a strong group that’s only going to get better.

“I’m excited for what is ahead for us as a group and club.”

Petit, who, while playing his club football for Arsenal, was part of France’s first World Cup-winning team when they hosted the tournament in 1998, and returned to London after a season with Barcelona to spend three years at Chelsea between 2001-04, reckons it is an intelligent transfer.

Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer Premier League odds, the 55-year-old said: “When you are young, your priority is to play regular football. Everton is a huge club with a new stadium, but I wonder if they are ready to compete for European positions.

“It’s important when you’re young, your priority is to play regular football. This is the first priority.

“I want to see Everton take a step up. For Tyrique George, I think it is a smart move, he will play in front of very competitive fans at a great club where the priority is regular football.”