England striker Dominic Calvert Lewin has officially announced his departure from Everton Football Club, bringing an end to a remarkable nine-year spell at Goodison Park. The 28-year-old forward confirmed his decision via social media on Sunday, stating he will become a free agent when his contract expires on Monday.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Calvert Lewin announcement came through an emotional Instagram post addressed directly to Everton supporters. “After nine remarkable years at this club, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision, together with my family, to begin a new chapter in my career,” he wrote. The striker emphasised that leaving Everton was not a decision taken lightly, describing the Merseyside club as his “home since I was 19 years old”.
The Sheffield-born forward expressed deep gratitude to the club that transformed him from a promising youngster into an England international. “It’s the place that saw potential in me, challenged me to grow, and shaped me both as a footballer and as a man,” Calvert Lewin reflected.
From Sheffield to Goodison
Calvert Lewin professional journey began at his hometown club Sheffield United, where he made his senior debut on loan at Stalybridge Celtic. However, it was his £1.5 million move to Everton in August 2016 that truly launched his career. The transfer, completed on deadline day, represented excellent value for money as the young striker would go on to establish himself as a key player for the Toffees.
During his time at Everton, Calvert Lewin made 273 appearances across all competitions, scoring 71 goals. His most prolific campaign came in the 2020-21 season under Carlo Ancelotti, when he netted 21 goals and was named Everton’s Player of the Year. That outstanding form earned him his first England call-up, marking the beginning of his international career.
International Recognition and Glory
Calvert Lewin England journey began at youth level, where he achieved something truly special. The striker was instrumental in England’s triumph at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea, scoring the winning goal in the final against Venezuela. This achievement made him one of only three England players, alongside Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, to score in a World Cup final.
His senior England debut came in October 2020, marked by a goal in a 3-0 friendly victory over Wales at Wembley Stadium. Calvert Lewin went on to earn 11 caps for his country, scoring four goals, including a memorable brace in a 5-0 win against San Marino.
The Injury Struggle
Despite his early promise and success, Calvert-Lewin’s later years at Everton were significantly hampered by persistent injury problems. The striker endured particularly difficult periods between 2021 and 2023, managing only 17 league appearances in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
These fitness issues not only limited his playing time but also affected his mental health. In May 2022, Calvert Lewin made a brave public statement about his struggles, revealing that “talking saved my life” during some of the most challenging periods of his career. His openness about mental health challenges helped break down barriers and encouraged other young athletes to seek support when needed.
Fashion Icon Off the Pitch
Beyond football, Calvert Lewin established himself as a fashion icon, regularly challenging traditional masculine stereotypes in sport. His bold fashion choices, including appearances in British GQ and on the cover of Arena Homme+ magazine wearing flared shorts and carrying a pink Prada handbag, garnered significant attention.
The striker’s willingness to express himself through fashion made him a role model for young people, showing that athletes can embrace creativity and individuality. His collaboration with high-end brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Wales Bonner demonstrated his influence beyond the football pitch.
What’s Next for Calvert-Lewin?
As Calvert Lewin enters the free agent market, several Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in his services. Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest have all been linked with potential moves for the England striker. His status as a free agent makes him an attractive proposition for clubs looking to strengthen their forward lines without paying a transfer fee.
The striker hinted at his ambitions during a recent appearance on the High Performance Podcast, expressing his desire to play for a club that can offer Champions League football. This suggests that Calvert-Lewin is seeking a new challenge that matches his international pedigree and experience.
Everton’s Transition Period
Calvert-Lewin’s departure marks another significant change for Everton as they prepare for life at their new stadium and under the returning management of David Moyes. The club has already confirmed the departures of several other key players this summer, including Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, and Mason Holgate.
The Toffees will need to find adequate replacements in the transfer market, though they have already secured the permanent signing of Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo for £12.6 million. Everton’s ability to replace Calvert Lewin goals and experience will be crucial as they aim to build on their improved 13th-place finish last season.
A Legacy Remembered
Despite the challenges of recent years, Calvert Lewin leaves Everton with his head held high. His 71 goals in 273 appearances represent almost a decade of service to the club, during which he experienced both the heights of European competition and the pressure of relegation battles.
The striker’s final message to Everton fans demonstrated his genuine affection for the club and its supporters. “Whether times were good or tough, your unwavering support never faltered. Celebrating goals at Goodison Park, feeling that roar, is an experience I’ll carry with me forever,” he wrote.
As Calvert-Lewin embarks on the next chapter of his career, both he and Everton can look back on nine years that transformed a promising teenager into an established Premier League striker and England international. His journey from Sheffield United’s academy to international recognition serves as an inspiration to young players everywhere, proving that with dedication and perseverance, dreams can become reality.
The football world will be watching closely to see where Calvert Lewin chooses to continue his career, but his legacy at Everton is already secure as a player who gave everything for the blue shirt during some of the club’s most challenging periods.
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