Just when it seemed the door had closed, a surprising twist has reopened the possibility of Dominic Calvert-Lewin donning the red of Manchester United as United boss Ruben Amorim is desperate for more firepower after his side whimpered to a 15th-place Premier League finish last season.
Softfootball can confirm that the 28-year-old became a free agent at the end of June when his contract with Everton expired, bringing an end to a turbulent nine-year spell at Goodison Park.
Calvert-Lewin managed a total of 71 goals and 22 assists in 273 appearances for the Toffees, including a career-best 16 strikes in the 2020-21 Premier League season.
However, injuries blighted the second half of the England international’s career on Merseyside, and his poor fitness record also led to formerly interested clubs stepping back their pursuits.
According to The Sun, United have reached out to Calvert-Lewin about a move to Old Trafford, with Amorim keen to snap up the ace.
The 13-time Premier League champions believe the 28-year-old would bring qualities they currently lack and could offer him a lucrative contract that includes bonuses for appearances.
The report adds that Man United have already sounded out the striker over a summer move to Old Trafford, which would also suit the Red Devils financially, even if Calvert-Lewin will be in line for a hefty signing-on fee.
There is a catch, though, as Man United would supposedly want to make Calvert-Lewin only their third or fourth-choice striker rather than trusting the Englishman to lead the line every week.
However, with a ‘lucrative’ contract and promises of bonuses for a certain number of appearances, the club are optimistic that they can strike a deal which benefits both parties in the current window.
Calvert-Lewin only found the back of the net three times in 26 Premier League games during the 2024-25 campaign, and he missed a staggering 111 matches for club and country through injury or illness while at Goodison Park.
The Red Devils are not alone in the hunt for the forward’s signature, though, as Fulham are also said to be showing interest in a free transfer this summer.
If Man United’s lengthy striker search ended with the Red Devils only signing a 28-year-old, injury-hit option on a free transfer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co could very well find themselves facing a fan revolt.
However, if Calvert-Lewin is indeed content with only being a backup striker – maybe even behind the likes of Chido Obi Martin- then Man United could do worse than give it some serious consideration.
Fewer minutes on the field should naturally mean fewer injuries for Calvert-Lewin, thus making him more ready to impact matches when he is introduced, and he may even prove to be a good mentor for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee if both remain at the club.
In an earlier update, Softfootball reported that Manchester United and Everton Lead Race to Sign Wilfred Ndidi. There is currently a tussle in Europe for the signature of Leicester City’s defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, as Manchester United and Everton are leading the chase for the 28-year-old Nigerian.
Manchester United and Everton are not the only teams to have shown interest in the midfielder, with Juventus and Real Betis also in the mix. Real Betis joined the race after losing Johnny Cardoso to Atletico Madrid.
Ndidi has a £9m release clause, but Leicester are open to selling at just £5m. Also, the Nigerian international is looking to get away from the King Power Stadium, as he doesn’t fancy playing another season in the Championship.
