New Leeds United signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin has addressed concerns over his fitness after agreeing to join the club on a free transfer.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin became Leeds’ eighth signing of a busy summer transfer window when he put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the club.
Having scored 16 goals in the 2020/21 season, Calvert-Lewin has struggled for form and fitness in recent seasons as his time with Everton came to a close.
Having entertained interest from Sunderland, Calvert-Lewin will provide Daniel Farke with another experienced option in attack as Leeds look to secure their safety in the Premier League.
Now, their new signing has addressed concerns over his fitness, stating that he feels “extremely strong” following his transfer.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin addresses fitness concerns
Following the announcement of his move to Elland Road, Calvert-Lewin spoke with former Leeds and Everton star Jermaine Beckford to discuss his transfer.
Calvert-Lewin could make his debut in Leeds’ first game of the season against Everton, and the striker insists he is in good shape ahead of the game.
The England international said: “I’ve been in the Premier League a while now, so I think people are pretty familiar with my game, but I also think there are other aspects to my game that I can bring that I maybe haven’t brought enough of.
“So I’m looking forward to unlocking that and continuing the things that I’m good at, but also bringing new aspects and new facets to my game. I’m feeling extremely healthy, extremely strong. I’ve been working hard in the off-season to put myself in the best condition possible.”
New Leeds United signing is not content with a relegation battle
Calvert-Lewin has expressed his desire to play at the top level previously, as he looks to recapture the form which saw him valued so highly at Everton.
Asked whether his previous experience of relegation battles will help Leeds this season, the powerhouse striker provided a bullish response. He said: “Firstly, I’ll say my intention in joining the football club is not to be in that position. My intention is to make sure that we fight further up the table.
“But in saying that, I do come with a certain level of experience in those situations, and I think that is something that, when the guys here that I spoke to explained the project that I thought I could really add value to.
“And I guess that feeds back into why I made the decision to come here. I think when I made the choice to be a free agent and take the risk and want a new challenge, I knew for me it was more about a feeling than anything else.
“And again, it’s something I really identified with and felt that it’s really something I wanted to be a part of.”
Daniel Farke needs a goalscorer in the Premier League
Having previously expressed Leeds’ need to strengthen in attack, Farke will be relieved to get the deal for Calvert-Lewin over the line.
Calvert-Lewin will now compete for a place in the starting line-up alongside Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha. The evidence from Leeds’ last visit to the top flight proves that a goalscorer is essential for avoiding a relegation scrap.
Departing forward Patrick Bamford was the top scorer for the Whites in their first year back in the top flight under Marcelo Bielsa, as he bagged 17 goals and Leeds finished well clear of trouble in ninth.
Leeds’ top scorers in the Premier League – 2022/23
- 2020/21 – Patrick Bamford – 17 goals
- 2021/22 – Raphinha – 11 goals
- 2022/23 – Rodrigo – 13 goals
However, in the following two seasons, Raphinha top-scored with 11 in 2021/22 and Rodrigo scored 13 in 2022/23 as Leeds circled the drain before eventually falling to relegation.
Daniel Farke needs someone to reach double-figures, at a minimum, to give Leeds a fighting chance of staying in the division. This would be the perfect time for his new arrival to find his best form again.
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