The Everton contract stance that has benefitted Leeds United

Several of Leeds United’s summer signings have impressed during the Whites recent upturn in form that has laid the foundations for what they will hope will be a successful battle against relegation from the Premier League.

Elland Road was a hive of activity during the summer transfer window as ten new signings arrived in the aftermath of last season’s Championship title win and around £100m was spent on the likes of Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri and Hoffenheim powerhouse Anton Stach. However, there were also some shrewd additions to the squad with Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both snapped up on free transfers after leaving their former clubs when their contracts came to an end.

For the latter of that duo, a departure from Everton brought a close to a nine-year stay with the Toffees as the striker progressed from promising young attacking talent to Premier League goalscorer and England international. After suffering injury issues during his final two seasons on Merseyside, Calvert-Lewin was unable to agree a new deal with Everton and one former Toffees director has given an insight into how he believes the negotiations would have played out prior to his departure.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness spoke about the situation on Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast and said: “I was so sorry it didn’t work out for him at Everton in terms of negotiations, because I think he would have been what we’d have needed right now at Everton. But he obviously had a view. And I think that Everton wanted to say, well, look, we might give you more of a pay-per-play related bonus situation rather than a straightforward higher salary, which I think he wanted.”

What has Dominic Calvert-Lewin said about his current form?

Speaking after last weekend’s draw with Leeds: “A good moment at the minute. The timing is good and I think as a team we are gelling a bit more and things are going well for us. I think you can make those runs as a centre forward and sometimes the ball doesn’t find you when you are in a bit of a dry spell but you have just got to keep doing it and hope that the tide will turn.

“I think it has for me at the moment and I am feeling good, feeling fit, strong and enjoying playing with the lads. Lots of ups, lots of downs, you know, tests of character and I have hung in there and kept going and kept pushing back myself, and here I am now.”

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