Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a range of clubs to choose from during the summer before he picked Leeds.
The England international was offered a deal by a UEFA Champions League side on the day he actually signed for Leeds at Elland Road – according to Robbie Evans – while he was also linked to Manchester United at one stage.
Rio Ferdinand shared his views on Dominic Calvert-Lewin after that link first emerged, and his comments on the Leeds No.9 now look foolish.
Rio Ferdinand left with egg on his face as Dominic Calvert-Lewin outscores everybody at Manchester United
The former Leeds defender was practically disgusted to see the 28-year-old be linked with a move to Old Trafford back in August.
Answer this: Leeds United will finish in ___th place if Dominic Calvert-Lewin stays fit 📊
Six goals in five for the big man!
Speaking on his YouTube show – called Rio Ferdinand Presents – he said: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin, what are you chatting about? Dominic Calvert-Lewin cannot stay fit. Why are you bringing him into this club? This club is built on the academy.
“You have Chido Obi just sitting there. Play him if you’re going to think about five or six games. Not somebody who is older and cannot stay fit.”
Since these comments emerged, Calvert-Lewin has moved to Leeds and managed to make 15 Premier League appearances without suffering any injuries, with 11 of those appearances coming as starts.
Not only that, but the man born in Sheffield can boast seven Premier League goals in those games, outscoring every single player at Old Trafford – Bryan Mbeumo’s tally of six is the most of anybody at Manchester United in the Premier League so far this season.
Had Ferdinand not shot down the link so brutally, perhaps Manchester United might have made more of an effort to sign Calvert-Lewin, whose goals have now helped Leeds sit just seven points behind their bitter rivals.
Leeds United took a gamble and it could soon secure the 49ers a fortune
In the prime of his career at the age of 28, a homegrown player and an England international to boot, Calvert-Lewin is seriously hot property at the moment.
Is Daniel Farke right about Dominic Calvert-Lewin? 🎯
The Leeds boss was full of praise for his number nine
Having signed a contract running until July 2028 as well, his stock is very high, and it is not entirely out of the equation that Leeds receive a hefty offer for the striker this summer – especially if he shines at the World Cup.
Leeds took a chance on Calvert-Lewin when few others would, and can now boast one of the most valuable strikers in the Premier League, all for the grand price of £0.
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