Everton Make Move for £11m Striker as Potential Calvert-Lewin Replacement
As Everton prepare for a potentially transformative summer transfer window, one of the most pressing issues facing the club is the future of long-serving striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Now entering the final month of his contract, the 27-year-old’s time at Goodison Park appears to be drawing to a close, with uncertainty surrounding whether he will sign an extension or seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.
Having joined Everton back in 2016, Calvert-Lewin has been a key figure for the Toffees for nearly a decade. However, his recent form has left much to be desired, and should he depart, it would not be entirely unexpected based on his performance in the 2024/25 campaign.
Calvert-Lewin’s Decline and the Growing Need for Change
Once hailed as one of England’s most promising forwards, Calvert-Lewin endured a frustrating season marred by inconsistency and a lack of sharpness in front of goal. Across 26 Premier League appearances, the striker managed just three goals and two assists—a return that simply isn’t good enough for a player on £120,000 per week.
His goal conversion rate stood at a meagre 8%, while he missed a staggering 16 big chances throughout the season. Calvert-Lewin also averaged only 0.8 shots on target per game and created just one big chance for teammates. These numbers suggest that the once-reliable frontman is struggling to maintain his impact at the top level.
With other Premier League clubs such as Newcastle United reportedly monitoring his situation, a move away from Merseyside could benefit both parties. For Everton manager David Moyes, offloading Calvert-Lewin’s wages would free up significant funds to strengthen the squad, particularly in the striking department.
Everton Explore Alternatives – Thierno Barry & Adama Bojang on the Radar
While Everton are believed to have made an approach for Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, it appears that the club is also exploring other options in case a deal for Barry cannot be finalized. According to The Mirror, the Toffees have now made an enquiry about promising Gambian striker Adama Bojang, who is also attracting attention from West Ham United and Brentford.
Bojang, currently on the books at French club Stade de Reims, spent last season on loan at Swiss outfit Grasshoppers, where he quietly built a solid reputation. The 21-year-old featured in 26 league games, scoring six goals and adding two assists in a team that often struggled to create consistent chances.
While those numbers might not seem eye-catching at first glance, Bojang’s underlying stats paint a far more encouraging picture—particularly when compared to Calvert-Lewin’s underwhelming campaign.
A Smart Investment for the Future?
Nicknamed the “Gambian hurricane” and described as an “insane talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Bojang possesses the kind of raw potential that could be moulded into something special under the right guidance. His goal every 212 minutes, 15% conversion rate, and creation of five big chances last term all outperformed Calvert-Lewin’s metrics. Moreover, he missed just eight big chances and completed an average of 0.5 successful dribbles per game, showing a well-rounded attacking presence.
Although still developing, Bojang offers traits that Calvert-Lewin now lacks—youthful energy, upside, and the ability to grow into a major asset for the club. At a reported price of just £11 million, the Gambia international represents a low-risk, high-reward proposition, especially for a club like Everton that needs long-term solutions rather than short-term patches.
Final Thoughts: Is Bojang the Right Fit?
Transitioning from the Swiss Super League to the Premier League is no small task, and it may take Bojang time to acclimatize to the pace and physicality of English football. However, based on his performances last season, he has already outshone Calvert-Lewin in several key areas despite playing in a less competitive league.
For Moyes and the Everton hierarchy, the decision to move forward with Bojang could signal a shift towards a younger, more dynamic squad. With the right support system and time to adjust, Bojang might just prove to be not only a competent replacement but an upgrade on the Calvert-Lewin of recent seasons.
In the grand scheme of Premier League spending, £11 million is a modest fee. If Bojang fulfills his potential, Everton could find themselves with a striker capable of delivering consistent returns and even generating profit in the long run. As such, bringing in Bojang seems like a calculated and forward-thinking move—one that could finally help the Toffees turn the page on a stagnating attack.