Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, 28, has officially announced he will leave Everton at the end of his contract on June 30, departing as a free agent after nine years at the club. In a heartfelt Instagram message, he described the decision as “incredibly difficult,” emphasising that it was made in close consultation with his family and driven by a desire to “seek a new challenge and continue growing”.
Calvert‑Lewin joined Everton in August 2016 from Sheffield United for a modest £1.5 million. Across his tenure, he amassed 274 appearances and scored 71 goals in all competitions—a tally that places him among Everton’s most prolific strikers of the modern era . His standout season came in 2020–21 under Carlo Ancelotti, notching 21 goals in all competitions (16 in the league), which propelled him to England national team recognition.
However, injuries and inconsistent form hindered his impact in subsequent seasons. Over the past four years, he managed only 17 Premier League goals despite continued enthusiasm from the club to renew his contract . Recurring fitness issues reportedly delayed contract talks, and ultimately timing and mutual reluctance resulted in them fizzling out.
Everton now face yet another key departure as part of broader squad renewal. New owner The Friedkin Group and returning manager David Moyes are shaping a post-Goodison Park rebuild. Losing Calvert‑Lewin allows the club to reduce wage bills and redirect resources to fresh attacking options as preparations ramp up for the move to their new stadium.
On Calvert‑Lewin’s side, this is a deliberate step to revive his career. His statement reflects pride in his longstanding connection with Everton—“Everton has been my home since I was 19… I’ll always carry that roar [of Goodison Park] with me” —but also acknowledges the need for fresh surroundings to rekindle form and fulfil potential.
As for what comes next, speculation is already rife. Celtic, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Manchester United, and a number of European sides (including the likes of Marseille, AC Milan, Juventus, RB Leipzig, and Atalanta) have been linked with the England international . Praise for his aerial ability and pace has put Celtic among the leading suitors, though concerns linger over his ongoing fitness.
