Everton may receive Dominic Calvert-Lewin boost as pressure mounts on Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq
Everton have seen a huge improvement in performances over the last month, which has coincided with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return from injury.
The England international looks to have finally conquered his recent injury struggles and has led the line well for Sean Dyche’s side, scoring three goals in his last five games in all competitions since recovering from a facial injury sustained against Aston Villa.
But recent reports have suggested that the 26-year-old striker could be set to depart Goodison Park with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq lining up a potential “lucrative” offer, with Steven Gerrard’s side admirers of the Everton forward [Alan Nixon, 22 October].
The current financial situation at Goodison Park makes it hard to see how the Toffees would be able to turn down a huge offer for their number nine as it currently feels like any player in Dyche’s team is for sale if the price is right from the buying club.
But Everton may have received a lifeline in their hopes of keeping the England international beyond the January transfer window as Gerrard appears to be under some pressure already from the Saudi Pro League side after a difficult start to life in the Middle East.
Al-Ettifaq have only won five of their opening 10 games this season and currently sit seventh in the division and were beaten 1-0 by Al-Riyadh on Sunday (22 October) who aren’t recognised as one of the wealthier sides in the division.
Fans of the Saudi club have been vocal in their frustration with the team’s start to the campaign with many targeting their unhappiness towards Gerrard, with pressure seemingly mounting on the England international to quickly turn results around [Liverpool Echo, 23 October].
If Gerrard is sacked by Al-Ettifaq it may well help the Toffees’ hopes of keeping Calvert-Lewin on Merseyside beyond the January transfer window as much of the Saudi club’s business so far has been modelled on the desires of the former Liverpool midfielder.
He brought Jordan Henderson to the Middle East in the summer as well as Demarai Gray and would have likely been the driving force behind the reported push for Calvert-Lewin in the new year.
It may have come from the most unlikely of sources, but Gerrard may well have prevented Everton from falling deeper into the relegation battle if his poor form means Dyche doesn’t love his primary source of goals.
In other Everton news, The Toffees could be forced to sell Amadou Onana should Newcastle United act on initial interest