adminDominic Calvert-Lewin’s Everton Countdown Takes a New Twist as Free Agency Looms
By Harry Dimond
Thursday, 26 June 2025 | 14:00 (UK)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s long-standing chapter at Everton appears to be nearing its conclusion — but the final act is proving anything but predictable.
With just four days remaining on his current contract, the clock is ticking on the striker’s nine-year tenure at Goodison Park. Although Everton and their supporters have held out hope for clarity and possibly a contract renewal, the forward’s situation has taken another unexpected twist.
A Decade in Blue: Legacy and Limitations
Calvert-Lewin joined Everton in 2016 and quickly became a fan favourite, not just for his aerial dominance and hold-up play but also for his work ethic and professionalism. On his day, he has shown qualities worthy of being one of the Premier League’s most clinical strikers. However, in recent years, that reputation has been increasingly overshadowed by persistent injury issues and inconsistent form.
At 28 years old, Calvert-Lewin stands at a career crossroads. Everton’s managerial situation, their squad rebuild, and the looming question marks over his durability have all contributed to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Everton’s Evolving Striker Situation
David Moyes, now overseeing Everton’s on-field operations once more, is clearly not satisfied with his current options up front. The expected arrival of French Under-21 striker Thierno Barry, reportedly from Villarreal, signals a strong intent to revamp the Toffees’ attacking arsenal. Barry’s arrival adds youthful energy, but it also suggests Calvert-Lewin may not be the preferred choice moving forward.
This is not just about form or fitness. It’s about direction. Moyes seems to be steering the club toward a more dynamic front line — one that possibly does not include the oft-injured number nine.
As such, even if Calvert-Lewin were to stay, he might find himself demoted in the pecking order, with limited minutes and growing competition. That, in itself, may compel him to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere — a place where he can lead the line rather than fill a bench role.
Leeds United’s Surprise Interest – Then U-Turn
Just when the situation appeared to be stabilizing with links to Leeds United, a new twist has emerged. Initial reports hinted that the Yorkshire club had entered the fray, eager to bring Calvert-Lewin into their plans, especially after narrowly missing out on promotion in the previous season.
However, fresh updates — particularly from TEAMtalk — indicate a cooling of Leeds’ interest. Despite exploratory talks, sources suggest that the club will not pursue Calvert-Lewin further. The reasons remain unconfirmed, but speculation revolves around financial constraints and tactical fit.
This development further complicates an already murky future for the striker. It strips away what seemed to be the most concrete offer on the table and leaves the player and Everton alike in limbo.
The Risk of Letting Calvert-Lewin Walk
For Everton, this situation is a double-edged sword. On one hand, moving on from an injury-prone player makes sense — especially when salary demands are taken into account. On the other hand, releasing him for free carries significant risks.
If Calvert-Lewin regains form at a rival club, Everton may find themselves regretting the decision. He has already shown — when fit — that he can be a dominant Premier League striker. Losing such a player without any financial compensation could reflect poorly on the club’s management, especially given the potential scarcity of replacements who offer similar quality.
Sean Dyche — Moyes’ predecessor — once lamented how hard it was to find strikers of Calvert-Lewin’s calibre. That reality hasn’t changed. Proven forwards remain some of the most sought-after and expensive assets in world football.
The Friedkin Group, now in charge of Everton’s ownership, must also weigh the optics of letting one of their marquee players exit on a free transfer during a pivotal transitional period.
Should Everton Renew His Contract?
A new contract would offer some form of protection — either keeping Calvert-Lewin on board as a reliable squad option or at the very least securing a potential transfer fee if he were sold later. But doing so is not without risk.
The striker’s injury history is long and complicated. Hamstring strains, recurring muscular issues, and missed months of football have become defining features of his recent seasons. Committing to a new long-term deal might saddle Everton with another expensive and sidelined player.
Moreover, with younger and more mobile attackers like Barry incoming, Moyes may wish to reimagine his offensive structure — perhaps leaning toward a system that Calvert-Lewin no longer fits.
Free Agency Looms: What’s Next?
As the June 30 deadline approaches, time is running out. If no agreement is reached by then, Calvert-Lewin will officially become a free agent, free to sign with any club.
There has been muted interest from abroad — including from clubs in Italy and Germany — but nothing concrete has emerged. Domestically, outside of the fleeting Leeds interest, no Premier League club has yet made a firm bid either.
That could change, especially with strikers always in demand. But any move will come down to fitness assurances and salary expectations — two elements that currently work against Calvert-Lewin.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Balance
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s time at Everton has been filled with highs, including memorable goals, a strong England debut, and a lead role during some of the club’s better campaigns in the past decade.
Yet his legacy could be tainted if his exit is handled poorly. For Everton, the decision to let him go or offer a new deal might be one of the most defining moves of the summer. For the player, it’s a chance to reset his career, ideally in an environment where he can remain fit and flourish once more.
Whether this story ends in renewal or farewell, the next few days will be crucial in determining the future of both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Everton Football Club.
Godwin Obaje
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