In the end it was a classic Everton number nine’s goal that secured the Premier League status of Frank Lampard’s side but will Dominic Calvert-Lewin still be wearing that most revered of royal blue jerseys next season? Despite what others might say, it will be Everton themselves who will decide and it’s a call they can make on footballing terms.
The future of the Sheffield-born centre-forward has been under much scrutiny of late but unlike his fellow frontman Richarlison, who has just two years left on his current deal, forcing Goodison Park chiefs to either stick or twist this summer in terms of getting him to agree fresh terms or cash in before his market value declines – although a mid-season World Cup where the potential of a starring role for Brazil could potentially up the price tag – Calvert-Lewin’s contract does not expire until 2025.
Just 12 months ago, at the time of the coronavirus-delayed ‘Euro 2020’ he was second only to Three Lions captain Harry Kane when it came to England strikers, playing an understudy role to the skipper during Gareth Southgate’s side’s run to the final at Wembley but as the national team prepares for the aforementioned tournament in Qatar later this year, Calvert-Lewin currently finds himself out of the squad and largely out of the conversation. In 2020/21, he looked a natural when stepping up to international football while simultaneously enjoying what was a breakthrough season at club level.
