Calvert-Lewin can 'revive career' with Leeds move

7 hours ago 12

Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates a goal for EvertonImage source, Reuters

Image caption,

Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned his last England cap in 2021

Ben Collins

BBC Sport journalist

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has a chance to "revive his career" after joining newly promoted Leeds, says boss Daniel Farke.

The 28-year-old striker has signed a three-year contract on a free transfer after ending a nine-year spell with Everton on a disappointing note.

Calvert-Lewin earned 11 England caps during his time with the Toffees, but was hindered by a series of injuries in recent seasons and left at the end of last term when his contract expired.

Farke said: "It's a chance for him to revive his career and reach his former heights, when he was outstanding at the Premier League level, and it's a big chance for us because we've got a proven Premier League player.

"The key for him right now is not to be over-motivated. We will build his fitness step by step so that he finds confidence back in his body and his rhythm. If he does so, he has shown what he can do and he can be outstanding for us."

Having arrived from Sheffield United in 2016, Calvert-Lewin scored 57 goals in 239 Premier League appearances for Everton, with his best haul of 21 in all competitions in 2020-21.

Since then he has failed to reach double figures and was restricted to just 18 games in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns.

In all, Calvert-Lewin scored 71 goals in 273 games for Everton and becomes Leeds' eighth signing since earning promotion back to the top flight.

"We are all pretty happy and delighted that he will wear a Leeds shirt from now on," added Farke.

"As a newly promoted side, we want to sign players that have already delivered at the top level, but are still at a good age and on the way up in the career, not already on their way down. Those boxes are all ticked by Dominic.

"We don't have to speak about his qualities, he has more or less all the skills that you would like your striker to have.

"Of course, his last few seasons were interrupted by injuries but he still managed to play 26 games last season."

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