Everton are now tasked with finding a replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, after the striker officially announced his departure on Sunday.
The 28-year-old shared a huge update with fans on social media, and confirmed the decision that many had been expecting.
Speculation had been rife about Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future for months.
Everton recently informed supporters that they were still in negotiations with Calvert-Lewin about him continuing at the club.
But around the same time, it was claimed that Calvert-Lewin and Everton had failed to reach an agreement.
That was ominous, and we know now that he will definitely leave.
Calvert-Lewin has faced criticism in recent times for not scoring all that regularly. He has struggled with injuries as well, which has been frustrating, although no one will have been more frustrated about that than him.
But ultimately, he was a great servant during his nine years at the club.
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Players respond as Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaves Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates victory after the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Everton fans have been a bit divided over Calvert-Lewin’s exit from the club.
Some reckon it is something that needed to happen for both parties, while others have suggested he could be missed.
Only time will tell, and hopefully Everton can secure a solid replacement for Calvert-Lewin, with Thierno Barry a top target.
But for now the focus remains on Calvert-Lewin’s exit, and the player’s post on Instagram has drawn a lot of responses – including from some of his former Everton teammates.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – ‘All the best my friend #🔵💙’
Idrissa Gana Gueye – ‘Champ💙’
Tom Davies – ‘The sun may set but it will rise once again. So excited for your next adventure 💙💙’
Vitaliy Mykolenko – ‘🥺💙’
Joao Virginia – ‘Good luck brother 💙’
Youssef Chermiti – ‘💙🙌🏾’
Yannick Bolasie – ‘DCL my brooo 💙 what a guy!’
Alex Iwobi – ‘🙏🏽’
Harrison Armstrong – ‘Some fella 💙💙’
Asmir Begovic – ‘👏👏’
Orel Mangala – ‘Washington D.C 🗣️💙’
Calvert-Lewin exit the right decision, but Everton must keep Idrissa Gueye
So Calvert-Lewin moves on after nine years as an Everton player.
On balance, even though Everton did seek to keep him, it is the right move for all parties, given the striker’s injury record and high wages.
But Everton can’t have the same outcome with Idrissa Gana Gueye, who is one of two other players whose contract expires after today – the other being Michael Keane.
Idrissa Gueye ahead of playing for Everton.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Gueye was named Player of the Season at Everton for 2024/25, and his consistency was very impressive.
It’s thought the sticking point over Gueye signing a new contract at Everton is him wanting two years and the club only wanting to offer one.
Hopefully a compromise can be reached, and David Moyes can retain a player who is still extremely fit and vital to the dressing room.