Everton are determined to keep Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but the club should seriously consider cashing in on the striker.
Italian publication Corriere dello Sport recently reported Roma’s interest in Dominic Calvert-Lewin. However, as per the Daily Mail, Everton have no intention of selling the player this summer.
It is easy to understand why the Merseyside outfit are keen to retain the services of Calvert-Lewin. The forward has been a talismanic figure for the Toffees in the past. Certainly, on his day, he has the capacity to be one of the most devastatingly effective strikers in the Premier League.
However, that doesn’t tell the full story. Calvert-Lewin’s injury issues make him impossible to rely upon. The 26-year-old was unavailable for 21 Premier League matches last season, due to injuries and recovery time. In the 17 outings he could manage, Calvert-Lewin managed just two goals.
He missed 14 league matches in the season before, and only bagged 5 goals. He was brilliant in the 2020/21 season, scoring 16 goals in 33 Premier League games. Alan Shearer, writing in The Athletic, dubbed him an “excellent” striker around this time.
However, two seasons is a long time in football, and for the last two, Calvert-Lewin simply hasn’t been able to offer what Everton need.
A lack of goals almost cost the club their Premier League status last season. Sean Dyche needs to find a way to make his side more prolific this time around. However, transfer funds are limited at Goodison Park, and proven goal-scorers don’t come cheap.
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Time ticking away on Calvert-Lewin decision
If Calvert-Lewin’s fitness concerns continue – which there is a huge chance of – then Everton could soon find themselves in danger of the drop again. Whilst they are working on a deal for a new striker this summer, they haven’t been linked with anyone who is a safe bet to bang them in in the top flight of English football.
If a significant offer for Calvert-Lewin comes in, Everton have to take it. They can then use those funds to reinvest in a striker with genuine Premier League pedigree.
What’s more, after this season, Calvert-Lewin will only have one year left on his current contract. This will cause his market value to plummet, and could Everton truly justify offering the 11-cap England international a new deal if his injury record doesn’t immediately improve?
The time has come to take the money. Everton can solve their over-reliance on Calvert-Lewin and use the money they get to rebuild around a striker that will be available and able to deliver.