Pickford and Gueye react as Calvert-Lewin sends ‘extreme’ Leeds message
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s new message to Leeds United fans on social media caught the attention of former Everton teammates.
Leeds announced the signing of Calvert-Lewin on Friday, 15 August, joining on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Everton, bringing an end to his nine years with the club.
He notched 71 goals and 18 assists in 273 appearances for the Toffees, but with his career often blighted by injuries, supporters on Merseyside found themselves frustrated by his limited minutes.
At one point, Calvert-Lewin was tipped to return to Sheffield United should they have returned to the Premier League last season, but it is Daniel Farke’s side who won the race for his signature.
The 28-year-old could now make his debut against his old club on Monday, 18 August, as David Moyes‘ side travel to Elland Road, a game which could produce fireworks for both teams.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin ready for Leeds United challenge
Taking to Instagram (15 August), Calvert-Lewin wrote: “An extremely proud day for me and my family, signing for this great football club.
“Elland Road… My new home. I can’t wait to get started. LEEDS LEEDS LEEDS!!!”, gaining attention from players all across the Premier League after leaving the Toffees.
Former teammate Idrissa Gueye wrote: “All the best, champ,” with a blue heart emoji, with Jordan Pickford, Orel Mangala, Demarai Gray, Amadou Onana, and Beto all liking the post.
Fellow Premier League stars Dominic Solanke, Morgan Gibbs-White, Tosin Adabioyo, Declan Rice, and new teammate Pascal Struijk also liked the player’s message.
Daniel Farke faces tough ask for Premier League survival
Football Insider verdict
Farke faces a very tough challenge of keeping his side in the Premier League this season, but the Whites have certainly gone about their business in the transfer window correctly.
As well as Calvert-Lewin, Lucas Perri, Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, and Lukas Nmecha have all created a buzz at Elland Road.
That does not take away from the manager’s extremely poor record in the top flight, however, and fans will be nervous for their campaign to kick off on Monday night.
With Wolves, West Ham, and Burnley all falling at the first hurdle, it is likely to become clear quite quickly who Leeds will be battling against to stay afloat above the relegation zone this season.
Of course, Farke’s side could totally surprise the rest of the league, and that is possible after a number of sensible additions in the transfer market, but the Premier League is a tough place to survive.
Calvert-Lewin will certainly try his best to keep Leeds in the top flight, but it is a very big ask for a newly promoted side when every other club is spending bigger and better.