Leeds United Rope In This Former Everton Star: Another Crucial Signing For The Whites? | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein is believed to be true, Leeds United have reached an agreement with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is expected to undergo his medical soon at Thorp Arch ahead of a potential summer move. The former Everton centre-forward left Merseyside in June upon the expiry of his Goodison Park contract, and has now decided to ply his trade in West Yorkshire on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old England international progressed through the academy ranks of Sheffield United, his boyhood club, before breaking into their senior squad as a teenager. The then League One outfit sent him out on successive loans at Stalybridge Celtic and Northampton Town, respectively, in the lower leagues for regular game time, and the Toffees, having scouted him extensively, invested around £1.5m to tie him down in August 2016.

Why He Deserves To Stay in The Top-flight

The Three Lions star gradually became a key figure in the Everton attack, as he scored 71 goals and laid on 22 times in 273 appearances [stats via Transfermarket] over the past nine seasons. His emergence as a ‘number 9’ earned him 11 senior caps for England between 2020 and 2021. However, persistent injury problems slowed him down in recent years.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 19: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Goodison Park on January 19, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Despite being offered a new deal last summer, the striking ace opted against extending his stay in favour of a fresh start. He took time to assess all the options but chose to join the Premier League newcomers in the end to revive his reputation in English football.

Leeds United conquered the Championship title en route to scripting a top-flight return. Daniel Farke has been backed by the owners to bolster the first-team squad, and Calvert-Lewin could become their eighth summer signing in the battle for survival.

Why It’s A Smart Move From Leeds United

While they splashed the cash on Lucas Perri, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach to strengthen the defence and midfield, Lucas Nmecha and now Calvert-Lewin, both of their attacking reinforcements, are Bosman recruits.

Calvert-Lewin should challenge and cover Joël Piroe up front, with Patrick Bamford likely to part ways for not being in the manager’s plans. Having said that, the Dutch forward lacks the experience at the highest level, even though he clinched the EFL Championship Golden Boot last season for netting 19 league goals. The ex-Everton ace holds all the traits to grab a starting spot, but he must prove his form and fitness week in and week out to make his presence known at Elland Road.