Calvert-Lewin rejected £18m mega-deal for Leeds transfer
Leeds United fought off plenty of competition to land the free signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
In just over 24 hours, Leeds will mark their return to the Premier League with a clash against Everton at Elland Road, and several debuts will be expected.
One of those could be Calvert-Lewin, though Daniel Farke looks set to name the English international on the bench against his former club.
The 28-year-old was wanted by several clubs around Europe, but it was the Whites who won the race for his signature, despite some huge offers elsewhere.
Fenerbahce turned down by Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin seemed destined for an immediate return to the Premier League, though a report from the Sun on Sunday (17 August, pg57) states that it could have been very different for the 28-year-old.
Jose Mourinho‘s Fenerbahce were said to have offered him a three-year deal worth £18million, equating to around £115,000 per week.
That, added with the fact that the Super Lig outfit can offer European football, would have been a huge incentive for Calvert-Lewin, who opted for a move to Leeds instead.
Calvert-Lewin’s time at Everton.
- 273 total appearances
- 71 goals
- 18 assists
- 714 days missed with injury
The 28-year-old wanted to stay in England after his Everton exit, and is believed to be on a “fair amount less” at Leeds.
As per Capology, Calvert-Lewin was earning £100,000 per week at Goodison Park, and could be on a five-figure weekly wage with the Whites.
Will Leeds sign another striker after Calvert-Lewin?
Calvert-Lewin’s arrival means that Leeds now have three striker options ahead of the Premier League season, though none of them will fill supporters with too much confidence.
Lukas Nmecha seems to be a squad filler at best, while concerns remain over whether Joel Piroe will be able to translate his quality into the top flight.
Noah Okafor has been linked with a move to Elland Road, showcasing the fact that Leeds will be looking to sign another striker this summer, though with just over two weeks remaining in the window, they may be forced to settle for a versatile attacking addition.
Daniel Farke needs to have several sources of goals this season, and as of right now, it is hard to see where they could come from.
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