TRANSFER BREAKDOWN
Leeds United have reached an agreement to sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin after his nine year spell at Goodison Park. Calvert-Lewin departed from Everton this summer due to no agreement on a new deal. The striker is set to undergo a medical at Thorpe Arch imminently.
EVERTON JOURNEY
Since joining Everton in 2016 for a fee of £1.5 million, Calvert-Lewin made 273 appearances, scoring 71 goals and registering 22 assists. DCL played 9 of those appearances in the UEFA Europa League during the 2017/18 season, making his debut in the qualifying rounds, going on to feature in the group stage for the Toffees. The forward's most memorable season was the 20/21 season where he scored 16 goals and registered 3 assists, finishing as the 6th top scorer - just 1 goal behind Patrick Bamford in 5th place. Since then, the 28-year-old's game time has been limited, largely due to injuries.
ENGLAND RECOGNITION
Calvert-Lewin's consistent performances for club earned him international recognition. He received his first call-up by Gareth Southgate on 1 October 2020 after scoring eight goals in five appearances, including two hat-tricks, for Everton in the opening weeks of the 20/21 season. In his first appearance he scored a header in a 3-0 win against Wales at Wembley Stadium.
MANAGER PRAISE
Carlo Ancelotti, who managed Calvert-Lewin at Everton, suggested he has all the qualities to be a top striker: ''He is fantastic with the head, clever in the box and sharp. I think he is going to be a the top in England and in Europe.''
POTENTIAL IMPACT AT LEEDS
Leeds will hope Calvert-Lewin’s arrival adds a new dimension to their attack. His Premier League experience and aerial threat make him a constant focal point in the final third. While the striker has shown his quality on the pitch, keeping him fit will be crucial for Leeds to get the most out of him.
