FootballDominic Calvert-Lewin holds fresh talks with Newcastle over free transfer

Newcastle United Step Up Pursuit of Dominic Calvert-Lewin But Concerns Linger

Newcastle United have intensified their pursuit of former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, engaging in renewed discussions with the 28-year-old forward over a potential move to St. James’ Park this summer. According to talkSPORT, the free agent has recently held fresh talks with the Magpies, with head coach Eddie Howe reportedly remaining a long-time admirer of the England international.

The renewed negotiations come shortly after Newcastle officially confirmed the departure of Callum Wilson, who ends his five-year spell on Tyneside. Wilson, plagued by injuries throughout his stay, leaves a notable gap in the squad, particularly in the centre-forward position.

With Alexander Isak firmly established as Newcastle’s first-choice striker, the club is now looking for a reliable back-up who can step in seamlessly when required — especially during a long and grueling season that includes domestic and European commitments. On paper, Calvert-Lewin seems like a logical solution. He has extensive Premier League experience, a physical presence up front, and has led the line for Everton across multiple campaigns.

However, Newcastle are not alone in their interest. Manchester United have also identified Calvert-Lewin as a possible option after setbacks in their attempts to sign Liam Delap and Viktor Gyökeres. The Red Devils are still actively searching for a striker who can complement or rotate with Rasmus Højlund, and the free-agent status of Calvert-Lewin presents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity — at least financially.

Leeds United were previously linked with the former Everton frontman but quickly pulled out of the race after determining that his wage expectations were beyond their reach. Calvert-Lewin was earning around £100,000 per week at Everton, a salary figure Leeds were unwilling to match, especially after just securing promotion back to the Premier League.

Despite the appeal of a free transfer, there are mounting doubts about whether Calvert-Lewin is truly the right fit for a club with Newcastle’s ambitions. While the striker does bring Premier League pedigree, his recent form and fitness record are causes for concern. During the 2024/25 campaign, Calvert-Lewin managed to score just three league goals and was guilty of missing 16 big chances — a trend that mirrored his previous season, where he scored seven times but again squandered 16 major opportunities.

Such statistics raise red flags for a team aiming to secure consistent top-four finishes and make a serious impact in Europe. Injuries have also disrupted Calvert-Lewin’s momentum over the past few seasons, echoing the issues Newcastle faced with the now-departed Wilson, who similarly struggled to stay fit.

Bringing in a striker with a questionable injury history and inconsistent finishing could leave Newcastle vulnerable once again. If Isak suffers an injury or fatigue, the club must have a back-up forward who can contribute reliably and consistently. Unfortunately, Calvert-Lewin may no longer be that player.

The harsh truth is that while free agents carry no transfer fee, they are not without cost — particularly when performance on the pitch is lacking. Newcastle must be cautious about falling into the trap of prioritizing availability over ability. For a club with top-four aspirations and the pressure of Champions League football, settling for a player in decline could undermine their progress.

In conclusion, while Calvert-Lewin’s availability on a free transfer is tempting, Newcastle may need to reassess whether he truly fits into their vision for the future. The Magpies should consider aiming higher, seeking a more dependable and clinical striker who can support their ambitions at the highest level.