Dominic Calvert-Lewin has joined Leeds United on a free transfer after his Everton contract expired. He could make his debut against his former club on Monday. Leeds manager Daniel Farke is delighted with the signing, praising Calvert-Lewin’s Premier League experience. Former Everton boss David Moyes wished Calvert-Lewin well, citing financial reasons for not extending his contract.
Leeds United have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer. The England international, formerly of Everton, could be in line to make his debut against his old club as early as Monday, adding significant intrigue to the Premier League encounter.
Calvert-Lewin's departure from Everton came at the end of his contract in June, concluding a nine-year stint with the Toffees. He initially joined Everton from Sheffield United for a reported £1.5 million and quickly established himself as a key figure at Goodison Park. His time with Everton saw peaks of prolific goal-scoring and recognition as one of the Premier League's most promising forwards, however, injuries plagued him in more recent times.
Throughout the transfer window, Calvert-Lewin had been linked with potential moves to Manchester United and Newcastle United, but neither of these materialised into concrete offers. As the window progressed, Sunderland and Leeds United emerged as the frontrunners for his signature. Leeds, in particular, were keen to reinforce their attacking line-up following their promotion back to the Premier League. The club identified Calvert-Lewin's proven Premier League experience as a valuable asset that could help them secure their place in the top flight.
The need for attacking reinforcements at Leeds was evident. While Championship Golden Boot winner Joel Piroe brings goal-scoring prowess, he lacks top-flight experience. Other attacking players in the squad, such as Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto, and Brenden Aaronson, collectively managed a modest 15 goals in 166 Premier League appearances, highlighting the necessity for a proven goal-scorer.
Calvert-Lewin has signed a three-year contract with Leeds United, committing his future to the Elland Road club. The quick turnaround could see him thrust straight into the spotlight, potentially featuring against his former team, Everton, in their opening Premier League fixture on Monday. Leeds manager Daniel Farke has suggested that Calvert-Lewin will be in contention for selection, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the match.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday, Farke expressed his delight at securing Calvert-Lewin's services. “We are all delighted that he will wear a Leeds shirt from now on,” Farke stated, shortly before the official announcement. He highlighted Calvert-Lewin's Premier League pedigree, noting that as a newly promoted team, Leeds were specifically targeting players with a proven track record at the highest level, who are still at a good age and progressing in their careers.
Farke emphasized the importance of managing Calvert-Lewin's integration into the team carefully, particularly given his recent injury history. “The key for him right now is to not be over-motivated,” Farke explained. He added that the club would focus on building Calvert-Lewin's fitness gradually, allowing him to regain confidence in his body. Despite this cautious approach, Farke expressed confidence in Calvert-Lewin's ability to make a significant impact for Leeds, stating, “He has shown what he can do and he can be outstanding for us.”
Throughout his nine seasons with Everton, Calvert-Lewin played 239 Premier League games and netted 57 goals, though his time with the Toffees has been blighted with injury set backs over the past couple of seasons. During the past three campaigns he has struggled for form in front of goal. In those three seasons, he has scored 12 goals from 25.65 xG.
Former Everton boss David Moyes wished Calvert-Lewin well in his new venture, revealing that Everton's decision not to extend his contract was driven by financial constraints. “I am pleased for Dom, I have had a really good relationship with him. I didn’t really get a chance to deeply work with him because of injuries. I only had one or two games with him,” Moyes commented. He further added, “We just found the financials to be too much at the time and we chose to move on. It might have been the right time for Dom as well and I’m really pleased that he has sorted himself out. He has gone to a really good club.”