Dominic Calvert-Lewin reveals what persuaded him to join Leeds United after Sunderland interest

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Leeds United have confirmed the signing of former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a three-year deal at Elland Road.

It’s become clearer in recent days that Dominic Calvert-Lewin was a serious consideration for Leeds United instead of Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz to fill the number-nine vacancy in West Yorkshire.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein then confirmed the details of Leeds’ deal for Calvert-Lewin after the two parties struck an agreement and details of how a Leeds and Calvert-Lewin agreement was met have since been revealed.

However, Leeds are not done yet. Leeds United News exclusively revealed two players are in talks with Leeds after Calvert-Lewin. That’s after Calvert-Lewin rejected Sunderland to join Leeds.

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin explains why he chose Leeds despite Sunderland interest

Calvert-Lewin has outlined how he feels like a child being back at school after signing. Speaking to Leeds United’s official website, he said:

“I am really excited,” the forward said to former Leeds and Everton striker Jermaine Beckford. “It is like walking in today like a first day at school. I feel like a kid again that is just starting somewhere new and just can’t wait to play and represent the football club.

“For me, it is a massive football club with a massive fan base. I have played at Elland Road before and I just remember thinking how loud the fans were and how good the fans were.

“For me, it was about a feeling. I turned down the opportunity to play for some Champions League clubs. I had offers across Europe. When I spoke to Leeds, the people here, again, just the feeling that I got was something that I didn’t get elsewhere.

“The more I play football, the more I appreciate the feeling and what playing for a football club or playing football does for you. And I think that’s what lasts you a lifetime. So, for me, it was important with this decision to make the right one. I think that I definitely did make the right one.”

He then explained why Leeds was his choice over other alternatives like Sunderland, adding: “It is something that I really, really wanted to be a part of. I also spoke with the manager prior to this and we had a really good conversation and he was a centre-forward himself.

“So, he was just explaining how the life of a centre-forward is and he gave me a feeling of a lot of understanding and it made me really excited to work with him as well. And just the way that the team set up and the way that we set up last season was really attractive for me.”

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin explains what Leeds fans can expect from him next season

Of course, profile-wise, Calvert-Lewin fits for Leeds. He is a tall and powerful striker with pace, which has been the archetype of most Premier League number-nines in recent years.

However, he has some surprises up his sleeve for Leeds supporters. He said: “I have 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.

“I am looking forward to unlocking that and continuing the things that I am good at but also bringing new aspects and new facets to my game. So I’m looking forward to just seeing Elland Road in full force through a different lens, you know, as a Leeds player.”

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin was once valued at £50 million by Everton

At the peak of his powers, Calvert-Lewin was scoring regularly for Everton and earning England call-ups deservedly off the back of his scintillating form from 2019-2021.

What many may have forgotten is that Calvert-Lewin was also once valued at £50 million by the Toffees. That was revealed by The Sun in October 2021, with Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Man United all in the race.

Injuries may mean he is not the same player he was then, but there’s plenty to like regarding Calvert-Lewin’s ability to act as a battering ram in the striker role and help bring other teammates into play.