Leeds United are on the verge of signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer deal this summer. The forward left Everton at the end of the season, and following talks with several Premier League clubs, an agreement is in place for him to move to Elland Road.
The 28-year-old is undergoing a medical at Leeds’ training ground in Thorp Arch, and will soon sign a contract to become a White. The Yorkshire giants are expected to register him as their new player in time for him to be in the squad to face his former team, Everton, at Elland Road on Monday night.
However, Calvert-Lewin’s imminent arrival has divided opinion. Leeds fans are unsure about what to expect from a striker who has Premier League experience, but has missed too many games in recent seasons due to injuries, including a hamstring problem that kept him out for weeks in the 2024/25 campaign.
Simon Jordan has panned Leeds’ decision to sign striker, and former Liverpool star, Danny Murphy, admitted that the Whites have taken a big risk on a forward with a patchy injury record.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin didn’t see Leeds as his first choice
Calvert-Lewin recently sacked his agent and took control of his future by handling negotiations directly with Leeds before agreeing to join the Whites.
The striker has been looking at his options all summer before agreeing to finalise an agreement to move to Elland Road on a free transfer in the ongoing window.
However, according to journalist Zinny Boswell, Leeds were not the first choice for the 28-year-old striker this summer.
Leeds entertained talks with several other clubs and was said to be keen on a move to a club higher up the food chain.
He ultimately decided to take up the offer from Leeds and is now on the cusp of joining the newly promoted Premier League side.
Calvert-Lewin was also not the first choice for Leeds, but the Whites are likely to miss out on Rodrigo Muniz, and they decided to trigger the deal for the former Everton striker.
The Whites need another striker before the end of the window
Calvert-Lewin will add some Premier League experience to the Leeds squad and will be a solid option for Farke if he remains fit.
However, his fitness remains the biggest question mark around him, and it would be a risk if the Whites decide to gamble on him as a starter.
There is little to suggest that his injury issues are behind him, and Leeds need to bring in one more striker before the end of the transfer window.
Leeds have been linked with an interest in former Fulham and Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is said to be keen on a return to England.
Ridiculous signing desperation!
Can see Bamford lining up for us very soon.
Yes we do need to keep aiming for a top striker that can get the goals – no doubt, but we need competition to keep every player on their toes so they don’t think their place in the first team is a guarantee.
This can be a very clever addition providing the 49s make the ‘big’ signings they promised as well. Does any player in the squad want to face relegation – and non will join if they fear the hard work needed to avoid this?
If they get the mentality right for DCL and keep him fit, his confidence will grow and we will have a more solid range of support players.
This can work – if the 49s get the other additions we really need now – if we do – my prediction a finish of 14th or higher.