Calvert-Lewin latest: A perfect match with Eddie Howe and Newcastle?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future at Everton is unclear in the midst of the summer transfer window and off the back of an arduous campaign.

The latter applies to the individual and collective with Calvert-Lewin missing a large portion of his side’s relegation dogfight due to a fractured toe.

He returned to the team at the turn of the year after nearly four months side-lined but struggled to be his previously talismanic self – not helped by a hasty re-introduction.

To say the 25-year-old is injury prone would perhaps be exaggerative, yet his managers’ proclivity to fast-track his return has proven counter-productive at times.

This is the price paid for many players who are viewed as indispensable to their team’s success. For the most part, in 2021/22, Everton had to afford the responsibility shirked by Calvert-Lewin elsewhere.

Striker partner Richarlison took over the mantle and did so admirably. The Toffees’ campaign wasn’t without impact from Calvert-Lewin, however.

The England international scored the winner in the 85th minute of Everton’s survival-securing win against Crystal Palace, sandwiched by a goal and assist against Brentford and Arsenal respectively.

Despite arriving on Merseyside in 2016 from boyhood club Sheffield United, Calvert-Lewin has the feeling of a homegrown talent at Goodison Park – from the outside looking in that is, at least.

This, partnered with the player’s undenied ability, no doubt makes it even more difficult for the Everton faithful to see continuous speculation surrounding their star man’s future.

What is the latest on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future?

The Athletic provided an update on the futures of Dominic Calvert-Lewin along with teammate Richarlison, who has been linked with a transfer to Tottenham, on Monday.

Regarding the subject of this article, the online publication state that Calvert-Lewin is at a crossroads concerning his Everton future amid concerns around creative supply.

James Rodriguez and Lucas Digne departed last season, and in conjunction with Gylfi Sigurdsson’s absence, saw the means for success in attack decline.

Another factor that may result in Calvert-Lewin’s exit is Everton’s financial predicament. Seasons of ill-advised investment have forced higher-ups to employ a one-in-one-out policy which could see a valuable asset sold to allow for incomings.

Newcastle United are best placed to take advantage and have long been admirers of Calvert-Lewin’s but aren’t thought to have submitted a formal offer.

Does Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit the profile needed at Newcastle United?

A striker is certainly on manager Eddie Howe’s shortlist. The Newcastle boss has January signing Chris Wood at his disposal alongside Callum Wilson whom himself endured a torrid campaign fitness-wise.

Alternative options run thin, therefore pointing towards reinforcements being drafted in. Reims striker Hugo Ekitike is the name Howe and Newcastle have been linked with of late but talks appear to have cooled.

If signed, at 19 years old it is unlikely the France youth international would be given a prominent role subject to the ease of his adaptation to the English game.

This would suggest the Magpies will delve back into the striker market even if a deal for Ekitike is completed. A proven Premier League option would likely be the avenue and Dominic Calvert-Lewin certainly fits that profile.

Drawing up a potential strike force of the aforesaid accompanying Wilson, Wood and Ekitike; although Newcastle fans would likely bite your hand off, it is somewhat one-dimensional.

Wilson is the exception but the other three are all north of 6 feet tall and would require a similar approach in order to play to their strengths. However, that may be Howe and co’s blueprint.

Calvert-Lewin, who boasts a record of 45 goals in 164 Premier League appearances, could provide a safety net for Ekitike. If both were to arrive in the same window the pressure for Ekitike to provide an instant impact would be alleviated.