Sunderland ‘dodge a bullet’ after Dominic Calvert-Lewin contract update
Sunderland had been in contact to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin after he departed Everton as a free agent this summer.
The striker has now elected to join rivals Leeds despite interest from Regis Le Bris’ side.
In recent weeks, the Mackems have secured the signing of Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea, and are still in the market for attacking reinforcements.
Despite missing out on Calvert-Lewin, Sunderland appear to have had the last laugh.
Sunderland chose to sign Guiu instead of Calvert-Lewin
Supporters of the Peacocks had thought they had gotten one back on Sunderland supporters after it was reported that Calvert-Lewin had turned down an approach from the Mackems.
The war of transfers has been rumbling on between the Whites and the Black Cats since Le Bris secured the signings of Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra earlier in the summer.
However, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie via X on Wednesday, 13 August, while Sunderland were interested in signing Calvert-Lewin earlier in the window, no contract offer was made.
He added that the Mackems pushed to sign Guiu instead.
Black Cats’ supporters will feel like they have dodged a bullet by choosing not to sign the former Everton striker.
- Calvert-Lewin has missed more than 100 games across his career due to injury
- The striker missed 15 games due to injury last season
- He has managed just 12 goals in the past three seasons
Calvert-Lewin was on £100,000 a week at the Toffees and could earn up to £80,000 with the Peacocks, which is money Sunderland can’t afford to pay for someone who is consistently injured.
The 28-year-old has struggled for form since he scored 16 in the 2020/21 campaign, and the Mackems wouldn’t have been able to wait around to see if he can find his shooting boots again.
How do Guiu and Calvert-Lewin compare?
Guiu and Calvert-Lewin are two different profiles up front.
Calvert-Lewin offers strength and an aerial threat, while Guiu is a quicker and more technical striker.
| Aerial duels won (per 90) | Succesful take-ons | Pass completion |
| 4.75 (92 per cent) | 0.56 | 62.6 per cent |
The Mackems’ interest in Calvert-Lewin is an indication that Le Bris could still look at signing a striker of his calibre and profile to possibly play alongside Guiu.
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