(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Fri 17 April 2026 17:10, UK

Leeds United want to sign a striker in the summer transfer window, and recent noise may suggest the 49ers don’t have much faith in Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The 49ers pulled off a great deal when signing the 29-year-old on a free transfer last summer, as his resurgence in the Premier League has helped keep the Whites above the relegation zone.

Daniel Farke has expressed his delight at the Englishman’s form, even going as far as to compare him to some of the best number nines in the division.

However, links this week to £35million-rated Lois Openda once again highlight that the 49ers see the striker spot as one to improve on.

Calvert-Lewin has been on a downward slope for Leeds in recent weeks, and that may worry internal figures at Elland Road.

Leeds interested in similar profiles to Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Leeds tried to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves in the winter window, even bidding as much as £33m for the striker who ended up joining Crystal Palace.

The Norwegian is a younger version of Calvert-Lewin, and doesn’t have qualities that are very different from the Leeds star.

The same could be said about Openda, who sees success in his game through his physical ability, despite having a smaller frame.

Lukas Nmecha is also similar to Calvert-Lewin in some ways, and you would think a move to sign a different profile would be the way to go.

Leeds have also been linked with Real Madrid star Gonzalo Garcia, who does have a different skillset, but even then, more competition could put the Whites’ current star man in doubt.

The former nightmare that may be on Calvert-Lewin’s mind

Thomas Tuchel has now all but ruled out Calvert-Lewin from playing for England at this year’s World Cup, which was a big motivation for the Whites forward this season.

His early return to LS11 during the international break showed this, and his current run of form in the league has him without a goal in six matches.

• Calvert-Lewin scored a penalty against West Ham in the FA Cup
• His last league goal came in the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest
• This was over two months ago

When his head is down, the former Everton man can see his form stay poor for long periods of time, as seen with his time with the Toffees.

He will want to make sure that this doesn’t happen with Leeds, but a lack of trust from the board could be a sink-or-swim moment next season.

If Calvert-Lewin finishes the season on a low note, it could change the whole perspective that the 49ers have over the upcoming transfer window.