‘Dominic Calvert-Lewin tipped to complete shock Sunderland move’
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been backed to complete a surprise move to join Sunderland following the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League.
The North East club must strengthen their ranks to survive in the top flight after winning the Championship playoff final in May.
Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin is available on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with former side Everton.
The striker made over 270 appearances for the Toffees after joining the Merseyside outfit from Sheffield United back in 2016.
Sunderland tipped to double Calvert-Lewin’s wages in surprise effort to land striker
The Mackems enjoyed the attacking services of Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda last season, while Calvert-Lewin’s signature would add vital Premier League experience to Regis Le Bris’ squad.
But amid injury problems last season, the former Sheffield United man scored just three goals in 26 appearances for Everton.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [30 June], Jermaine Jenas said: “If Sunderland coming into the league went look Dominic Calvert-Lewin, we’re going to double your wages to keep us in the league, then of course he would go and do that and it would be beneficial to Sunderland.
“But you’ve already been at Everton for so long, I don’t see him improving on that particular team in terms of where they are in the league.”
Calvert-Lewin could be a good addition for Le Bris
Football Insider verdict
Calvert-Lewin’s best season for Everton arrived in 2020/21, when he scored 21 goals in 39 appearances for the Toffees.
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin Everton stats | 2016-2025 |
| Appearances | 273 |
| Goals | 71 |
The 28-year-old seems unlikely to hit those heights again, but he could prove to be a good signing for Sunderland if he avoids further fitness issues.
While the Black Cats’ top scorer, Isidor, did well to notch 13 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions last term, the former Zenit and Monaco man is unproven in the English top flight.
On the other hand, Calvert-Lewin has not established prolific form in recent seasons, but he boasts a wealth of Premier League experience, which could help the Mackems in their quest to survive.
The former Everton man boasts a dangerous aerial ability and would provide Le Bris with different attacking qualities to those of Isidor or Mayenda.
Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to Mackem News, journalist Khadim Diakhate outlined that the addition of Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra could be a bargain for Sunderland.