Transfers

Honest Danny Murphy says what all Leeds United fans are thinking about Dominic Calvert-Lewin

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Leeds United are set to announce their eighth signing of the summer in the form of free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with reports emerging on Wednesday morning.

Leeds’ pursuit of a striker this summer has culminated in much frustration. The club has failed to get Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz to Elland Road, with the Brazilian now fancying a move to Italian side Atalanta.

Atalanta are confident they can agree a £38m deal for Muniz. Leeds have been linked with plenty of other strikers, including Roma’s Artem Dovbyk, Nikola Krstovic at Lecce and even Everton first-choice ace Beto.

Now, with Leeds’ opening game just five days away and ironically against Everton, the club has decided to bring in Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer. David Ornstein reports Calvert-Lewin’s medical is imminent.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin playing for Everton.
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images

Danny Murphy delivers instant verdict on Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Unsurprisingly, Leeds fans are concerned. Calvert-Lewin’s injury record is a poor one, struggling to remain fit at Everton with his last meaningful spell coming under Carlo Ancelotti, when the Italian was at Everton.

Leeds already have two injury-prone strikers on the books in Lukas Nmecha and Patrick Bamford, though the latter has been told he has no future at Elland Road. Now, Leeds are signing another in Calvert-Lewin.

Speaking to TalkSPORT following the news that Leeds are set to sign Calvert-Lewin, Danny Murphy said it is a massive risk but reckons the striker could be a “great addition” if he can stay fit in a Leeds shirt.

Danny Murphy on punditry duty.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

“It’s a risk isn’t it. It’s a big risk for them. His playing record is so poor. I’d have been tempted to go with someone a bit more reliable. But, you could argue that Leeds can’t compete with the big boys.

“Premier League experience without breaking the bank. If he stays fit, great addition. There’s no doubt he’s a talent, a strong boy, scores, holds the ball up, but if he can’t stay fit, it’s not beneficial,” he said.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s recent Premier League appearances

The idea of this is not to worry Leeds fans. But it is the harsh reality that Calvert-Lewin has now had a few years where he has been unable to remain fit, and constantly breaks down with muscle injuries.

SeasonPremier League gamesMinutesGoalsAssistsMinutes per G+A
2020-21332876163151.4
2021-2217128752183.9
2022-2317117521391.7
2023-2432218672242.9
2024-2526161332322.6

But this is a player that has huge Premier League experience, of which Nmecha and Piroe both lack. Piroe has never played in the Premier League and Nmecha has managed two substitute outings at Man City.

It has the potential to be one of the signings of the season. A striker still in his twenties, proven to be very prolific in the Premier League. But it is a massive risk, as Murphy says and depends on him remaining fit.