Leeds land Calvert-Lewin on free transfer

Leeds United have reached an agreement with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, adding a proven Premier League forward on a free transfer ahead of the new season.

Leeds United reach agreement with Calvert-Lewin ahead of season

Leeds United have reached an agreement with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a free agent after his Everton contract expired. The 28-year-old spent nine years at Everton but has battled injuries and inconsistent form in recent seasons, and he is due to undergo a medical at Thorp Arch soon after the deal was agreed. Everton had offered him a new contract last summer, but the two sides could not reach an agreement.

Leeds have already rebuffed the late-window challenge by strengthening other areas, bringing in a goalkeeper, two centre-backs, a left-back, a defensive midfielder, and an experienced forward to bolster their squad for a tougher campaign. Calvert-Lewin is expected to bring Premier League know-how and goal threat, offsetting concerns about his recent injury history. His 21-goal peak at Everton sits in contrast to last season’s struggles, making this a calculated gamble for a club aiming to stay competitive in the top flight.

The move signals Leeds signaled ambition and financial prudence by pursuing a free transfer instead of a costly purchase. Calvert-Lewin arrives with pedigree and experience, but his fitness regimen will be closely watched as the season unfolds. For promoted or rebuilding clubs, adding a proven scorer can change a season’s dynamic, yet the gamble hinges on health and form more than fee size. Leeds must balance wage promises with the risk of long-term payroll impact if injuries recur. The question is whether Calvert-Lewin can reclaim his peak level quickly enough to complement Leeds’ evolving defensive structure and midfield balance.

Highlights

The coming weeks will show if this bold move pays off or proves a costly misstep.