Nigerian-eligible Tyrique George swaps Chelsea for Fulham in £22m switch

By Dayo Awoniyi

Fulham have sealed the signing of Tyrique George, the highly rated Chelsea academy graduate eligible to play for Nigeria, in a deal worth £22 million plus a sell-on clause.

The 19-year-old winger has agreed personal terms on a five-year contract, ending his 11-year association with Chelsea.

George etched his name in Chelsea history last April when he became the youngest Nigeria-eligible player to score in the Premier League, finding the net at just 19 years and 75 days. He also played a pivotal role in the Blues’ successful FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League campaigns last season.

Despite his breakthrough at Stamford Bridge, George was keen on more regular first-team opportunities.

That ambition sparked interest from across Europe, with Roma leading negotiations earlier this summer before talks collapsed. RB Leipzig and Borussia Mönchengladbach also tracked him closely, but it was Fulham who ultimately won the race.

Manager Marco Silva has long been intent on bolstering his attacking options, and the capture of George is seen as both an immediate boost and a long-term investment in one of Europe’s brightest young prospects.

Internationally, George remains eligible for England, Nigeria, and Ghana, with his decision yet to be made.

But given his rapid rise, the Super Eagles hierarchy will be monitoring his development closely as he begins this new chapter in West London.