DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN MAKES SHOCK LEEDS ADMISSION AMID SURPRISE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SIDE INTEREST
A huge part of that upturn in form has come from their centre-forward. Leeds have collected 14 points from their last 10 league outings, with Calvert-Lewin leading the charge in front of goal. The striker has been in red-hot form, scoring eight times during that run and giving Leeds the cutting edge they were badly missing earlier in the campaign.
What makes the story even more remarkable is how close Leeds came to missing out on him altogether. The move to Elland Road was nearly derailed last summer when a late offer arrived from a club competing in the Champions League.
Calvert-Lewin eventually joined Leeds on a free transfer ahead of the current season after failing to reach an agreement on a new deal with Everton. His departure ended a nine-year spell at Goodison Park, where consistency in front of goal often proved elusive. Across his time with the Toffees, he only managed to score more than seven Premier League goals in a single season on two occasions in 2019–20 and 2020–21.
He has already gone beyond that mark with Leeds. The 28-year-old has found the net nine times in just 20 top-flight appearances for Farke’s side so far, and there are no signs of his momentum slowing.
Supporters at Elland Road are now counting their blessings that the club moved quickly in the summer especially knowing they beat Champions League opposition to his signature. Speaking to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Calvert-Lewin didn’t deny that claim, confirming he had turned down a Champions League club while weighing up his options as a free agent.
While he refused to name the team involved, he admitted the decision still crosses his mind. Laughing, he said:
“You’re the first person to ask me that question. I do think about it sometimes, and when I look at what’s happened over the last five months, it feels good when a plan comes together.”
If his current scoring rate continues, this could become the most productive season of his career. Calvert-Lewin’s previous best Premier League return came in 2020–21 when he scored 16 goals and earned a place in England’s Euro 2021 squad. Interestingly, his goal-per-minute ratio this season is even better than it was during that peak period.
The striker also made it clear just how settled he feels in West Yorkshire. Reflecting on his journey, he added:
“It’s definitely been a year of growth, and one I’ve really enjoyed. Looking back now, I’m grateful for the decisions I made and for sticking at it. Now I’m seeing the rewards. Things can change so quickly you just have to keep going, every single day.”
