Dominic Calvert-Lewin Signs With Leeds United And Could Debut Against Everton

Add as a preferred source on Google

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has joined Leeds United on a free transfer and could face his former club, Everton, as soon as Monday. After his contract with Everton ended in June, he left the club where he spent nine years since joining from Sheffield United for £1.5 million. Although linked with Manchester United and Newcastle United earlier, those moves did not happen, leading Sunderland and Leeds to pursue him.

Leeds United have been searching for attacking options following their promotion back to the Premier League. Joel Piroe, last season's Championship Golden Boot winner, lacks top-flight experience. Meanwhile, Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto, and Brenden Aaronson have collectively scored just 15 goals in 166 Premier League appearances. Calvert-Lewin's addition aims to bolster their attacking lineup.

Calvert-Lewin signed a three-year deal with Leeds and might debut against Everton in their opening Premier League match on Monday. Daniel Farke expressed optimism about Calvert-Lewin's potential impact at Friday's pre-match press conference. "We are all delighted that he will wear a Leeds shirt from now on," Farke stated. "He is obviously a proven player at Premier League level."

Farke emphasised the importance of signing players who have already performed well at the top level but are still progressing in their careers. He added that Calvert-Lewin fits this profile perfectly and highlighted the need to manage his motivation levels carefully while building his fitness gradually.

In recent seasons, injuries have limited Calvert-Lewin's playing time. He started more than 20 Premier League matches only three times during his nine-year stint at Everton (30 in 2019-20, 32 in 2020-21, and 26 in 2023-24). These were also the only seasons he played over 2,000 minutes. Despite scoring 57 goals in 239 appearances, he underperformed his expected goals (xG) figures significantly over the last three seasons.

Everton manager David Moyes expressed satisfaction with Calvert-Lewin's move to Leeds. Moyes explained that financial constraints prevented Everton from extending his contract. "I am pleased for Dom," Moyes said. "I have had a really good relationship with him." He noted that injuries limited their time working together but acknowledged it might be an opportune moment for both parties to part ways.

Moyes added that it was challenging to work closely with Calvert-Lewin due to injuries but felt it was the right time for him to move on. He expressed happiness for Calvert-Lewin finding a new club like Leeds United.