From 'Toffee' to 'Peacock': Calvert-Lewin to host Everton on Leeds debut

Dominic Calvert-Lewin departed Everton on June 30th, having reached the end of his contract. After a summer of solitary training and receiving lucrative offers from abroad, the Englishman was determined to remain in the Premier League.

While clubs from around the world showed interest, he ultimately landed with the direct rivals facing his former team on their season opener. Leeds United confirmed the signing of the 28-year-old Englishman this Friday, who in recent seasons had seen his star status and role diminish with the 'Toffees'.

This move sees Calvert-Lewin find a new home after nine seasons at the former Goodison Park. In total, he wore the Everton shirt 273 times, scoring 71 goals and providing 19 assists. His peak form arrived between 2019 and 2021, when he netted 15 and 21 goals respectively in those two campaigns.

However, following this high point, the striker's career was hampered by a bone injury that kept him sidelined for nearly four months, followed by a succession of muscular problems that significantly reduced his contribution to the team. Last season, he was relegated to a substitute role and saw limited action after David Moyes' return, due to another ailment that kept him out from late January until May.

Step by step with the striker

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has urged patience with Calvert-Lewin. "The key is that he's not over-motivated. We will build up his fitness gradually so he regains confidence in his body and finds his rhythm. If he manages that, he has already shown he can be an extraordinary player for us," he explained.

Returning to the Premier League a year after their relegation, Leeds are hopeful of recapturing the Englishman's best form. For now, their main attacking threat remains Dutchman Joel Piroe, who was their top scorer in the Championship. Additionally, they have signed German international Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg in pursuit of more firepower to secure their top-flight status.