Sky Sports presenter baffled by Calvert-Lewin transfer news he’s seen at Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been heavily touted to leave Everton for Europe in January and Dougie Critchley cannot understand why.
The 27-year-old is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with sides outside of England, and Atalanta are the latest Serie A outfit to express interest in the forward [Alfredo Pedulla], with AC Milan, Juventus, Fiorentina and AS Roma all in the race for his signature.
However, Sky Sports presenter Critchley took to X (3 January) to voice his frustrations regarding the intense interest in Calvert-Lewin’s services after frustrations at Goodison Park boiled over following his snub in the 2-0 loss against Nottingham Forest (29 December).
He said: “I’m always baffled by the calibre of club linked with Calvert-Lewin. It’s always clubs either in Europe or with European ambitions…
“He’s scored 16 league goals in the last 3.5 seasons, he’s underperformed his XG by 16.5 goals in the last six campaigns… [I] just don’t get it!”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is not good enough to leave Everton for Europe
Amid all the interested parties originating from Serie A, there is one realistic landing spot should Calvert-Lewin agree to leave Everton at the end of his deal.
Roma are 12 points adrift of the European spots in Italy and would be a more feasible option for the Englishman, considering Dan Friedkin could use his connections to broker a deal.
However, Fiorentina are flying high in the Serie A with ex-Everton man Moise Kean second in the goalscoring charts – and AC Milan and Juventus could attract a more prolific striker.
Calvert-Lewin must face the bleak reality regarding his future at the Toffees – he has turned down the opportunity to extend his stay and has merely gone through the motions in the Premier League with only two goals in 18 appearances.
Any side, in Europe or otherwise, that is desperate to recruit a striker in January will want guaranteed goals, and all Calvert-Lewin has proven this season is how not to put the ball into the back of the net.
His plan to bide his time on Merseyside has seemingly backfired tremendously, and he will now be scrambling to find a new club that aligns with his vision once he is shown the door at Goodison Park.
If he wants to secure a top-flight move at the end of the season, he must get his ideas together and work towards scoring the goals to help Everton retain their Premier League status.
In other Everton news, Paul Merson drops a new relegation verdict at the Blues in his Bournemouth prediction.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.