Calvert-Lewin completes Leeds move - Everton debut looms

3 godzin temu

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has completed a free transfer to Leeds United from Everton, signing a three-year deal that could see him face his former club immediately. The 28-year-old striker may make his debut when Leeds host Everton at Elland Road on Monday night in their Premier League opener.

Daniel Farke described the signing as a "no-brainer" despite the striker's recent injury struggles. The Leeds manager highlighted Calvert-Lewin's Premier League experience, noting his 200-plus games, 60 goals, and 11 England caps earned between 2020 and 2021.

Calculated gamble on injury-prone striker

Calvert-Lewin has managed just 17 goals across four seasons since his peak years of 2019-2021, when he scored 13 and 19 goals respectively. Injuries have limited him to playing only 60 per cent of available games in recent years, with dramatic underperformance against expected goals statistics.

Leeds believe they are signing a player at his fittest level in years following a carefully-constructed personal fitness plan this summer. Sources close to the situation suggest the club conducted thorough medical checks and remain confident they can maximise his potential despite the injury risk.

Self-negotiated move across the Pennines

Daily Mail Sport reports that Calvert-Lewin parted ways with his agent recently and negotiated his Leeds move independently. He had offers from Premier League clubs and Champions League teams abroad, but Leeds stood out as somewhere he wanted to be "part of something special again".

The striker often watched Leeds matches with his wife and children because a close friend supports the club, according to Daily Mail Sport. His first conversation with Farke convinced him to make the move, with the German manager's vision and understanding of his capabilities proving decisive.

Fresh start and immediate test

Farke said: "It's a chance for him to revive his career and reach former heights when he was outstanding at Premier League level. The key for him is not to be over-motivated. We will build his fitness step by step so he can find confidence in his body and rhythm."

Calvert-Lewin expressed enthusiasm for the fresh challenge. He said: "I am really excited. I feel like a kid again that is just starting somewhere new and I just can't wait to play and represent the football club. For me, it is a massive football club with a massive fan base."

The striker has trained intensively with private coaches since his Everton contract ended and is reportedly in solid shape at Leeds' Thorp Arch training ground. However, he is likely to start Monday's match against Everton on the bench as Leeds manage his return carefully.

Sources used: "Daily Mail Sport", "Leeds Live" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.

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