Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s arrival has been met with a mixed response from Leeds United fans but the striker has been quick to confirm he rejected clubs in this season’s Champions League.
The 28-year-old striker has signed a three-year contract at Leeds on a free transfer after his Everton deal expired. His injury record over the last few seasons caused fans to question whether it is a smart move.
However, Calvert-Lewin will be available to choose from for Monday night’s clash against his old side with Daniel Farke expected to name him on the bench, given he has not had a pre-season with any club.
David Ornstein confirmed Calvert-Lewin had rejected some ‘major’ European clubs to join Leeds and then, in a chat with Jermaine Beckford, Calvert-Lewin confirmed those clubs were in the Champions League.
Jose Mourinho loses out to Leeds in race for Calvert-Lewin
Indeed, Calvert-Lewin told Beckford: “I turned down the opportunity to play for some Champions League clubs. I had offers across Europe, but when I spoke to Leeds, the people here, it was the feeling that I got.”
Even on Instagram, Calvert-Lewin responded to a supporter – believed to be an Everton fan – that said his move to Leeds was a “poor” one. He said that he rejected bigger clubs to join Leeds, replying “MOT”.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin playing for Everton.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Now, The Sun’s Alan Nixon reports on his Patreon channel that Calvert-Lewin was offered a three-year deal by Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. A deal worth a huge £18m over three years, or £115,000 a week.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Nixon continues by saying Calvert-Lewin wanted to remain in England with his young family, and that the deal he signed with Leeds seems him settle for a “fair amount less” than Fenerbahce’s massive offer.
Jose Mourinho looks on during Fenerbahce's clash against Sivasspor.
Photo by Sercan Kucuksahin/Anadolu via Getty Images
Which players are Leeds United now targeting in attack?
It is unclear if Leeds want to sign another striker. Since Calvert-Lewin’s arrival, Panathinaikos skipper Fotis Ioannidis and Stuttgart’s German forward Ermedin Demirovic have been linked with a move to Leeds.
But with Calvert-Lewin added to a list of strikers that includes Joel Piroe, Lukas Nmecha, Harry Gray and still, Patrick Bamford, it seems unlikely Leeds would bring in another striker unable to play elsewhere.
Mateo Joseph, of course, remains on the books. It is more likely Leeds sign a winger that can play up top in case Calvert-Lewin gets injured, hence the links to AC Milan’s Switzerland international Noah Okafor.