By George – he’s signed for Everton

The 15-year-old footballer from Mirfield may have some way to go before taking to the field alongside top stars of the game but his transfer from Bradford City has made many people in the football world sit up and take note.

The transfer, which will see Everton pay Bradford an initial £300,000, could rise to £2 million depending on future appearances.

Everton beat off competition from a number of top European clubs, including German Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, to sign George and he will now finish his studies on Merseyside before offially joining the Toffees next summer.

George, who lives at Greenside, Mirfield, began playing at the age of seven for Thornhill, where his brother Benjamin also started.

Both brothers were soon being touted by professional club’s academies and George followed in the footsteps of Benjamin by moving to Bradford at the age of nine.

Although quickly progressing through City’s Centre of Excellence, midfielder George still turned out for St John Fisher’s school team and he captained his year on two brilliant runs in the English Schools Cup, reaching the last 32 for two years running.

George has also played in four Spen Valley Schools Cup finals for Fisher, while he recently represented the school in an English Schools Cup tie against Brooksbank of Elland, when he scored a hat-trick.

Head of PE at St John Fisher, Andy Graham, said: “George is very gifted physically and academically and he is an all-round athlete.

“George broke the school record for the 1,500 metres at last year’s sports day and he collected an individual sporting achievement award.

“It doesn’t matter whether George is playing for Bradford, Everton, in PE or at table tennis, he is very competitive and has a desire to win, which is why he has been touted by such big clubs.”

It has proved to be a whirlwind few weeks for George after he was spotted by several Premier League clubs playing in a trial game for Bradford.

George’s mum Carol Thompson explained: “It was after I picked George up from the trial that people started saying several Premier League clubs had been there.

“He was invited for a trial at Tottenham and scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa and things have progressed from there.

“George’s older brother Elliot has a Sports Management degree and he has always been on hand to pass on advice but we know he has a long way to go to make it to the top.”

St John Fisher head teacher Kevin Higgins said: “I am thrilled that George has been given the opportunity to pursue his talents at the highest level. He is a great lad and deserves his chance.

“The route to making it as a professional footballer is fraught with difficulties. He will face many challenges and need a good slice of luck along the way.

“It is our hope what he has learnt and experienced at this school will help him reach the top in his chosen sport as it has done many others over the years.”

Mr Graham added: “St John Fisher has been known for producing top rugby league players while Matty Thompson represented England Catholic schoolboys early this year and we have two more pupils on Huddersfield Town’s academy books.”

Everyone at Fisher will no doubt keep an eye on George’s career to see if he can add his name to the list.