'They should have' - Everton sent message regarding Leeds United star Dominic Calvert-Lewin by ex-scout
Everton have been sent a message regarding Leeds United star Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Everton should have fought to retain Leeds United star Dominic Calvert-Lewin, believes ex-Toffees scout Bryan King.
The 29-year-old left Merseyside in the summer of 2025 after nearly a decade of service to Everton, who signed him from Sheffield United in 2016.
He sealed a free transfer move to Leeds, looking to put issues with fitness and form behind him. The frontman has done just that, establishing himself as a crucial figure for the Whites and pushing back into the England set-up.
King, who spent many years as part of Everton’s scouting team, believes Calvert-Lewin is “proving Everton wrong”.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin message sent
He told Football Insider: “He seems to have got a new lease of life, because he is scoring goals, he got back in the England squad, proving that he is a good footballer.
"Maybe Everton made a mistake. I don't think they'd have ever offered him £200,000 a week but when you lose a player like that, who initially didn't cost you a great deal of money...
"He came from Sheffield United. He was here for nine years. I think he joined for about £1.5m - left for nothing and now he's proving Everton wrong.
"They should have made the effort to keep him. He's a strong-willed boy. Good luck to him. I think he's really come good at Leeds. It seems he's got the old arm around the shoulder and pat on the back. He's got a lot of confidence."
From Everton struggle to Leeds United rebirth
Reports suggested Everton were looking to tie Calvert-Lewin down to a new deal in 2024, but an agreement between parties was never reached.
His exploits at Leeds have been made harder for Everton supporters to stomatch by their own forward woes, with Thierno Barry the only senior striker on their books.
Since arriving at Elland Road over a year ago, Calvert-Lewin has registered 20 goals across 48 appearances in all competitions.