Dominic Calvert-Lewin a gamble worth taking for Leeds – Daniel Farke

Leeds boss Daniel Farke is convinced the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a gamble worth taking.

The 28-year-old striker, dogged by injury in recent seasons, became a free agent this summer, ending nine years at Everton and signing a three-year deal with Leeds on Friday in a bid to revive his career.

He could make his debut against his former club on Monday when the two sides launch their Premier League campaigns at Elland Road.

Farke said: “Let’s be open about it. It’s always a bit risky to sign players who’ve had difficult years with a few injuries. There are always question marks and doubts.

“But the second part of the truth is that if he had his prime season last season he wouldn’t be on the market for us.

“He wouldn’t be a free agent and affordable for a newly promoted side, so you have to think about the balance of risk and reward.”

Calvert-Lewin has struggled to replicate the goalscoring form which saw him earn 11 caps for England, making his last appearance against Ukraine in 2021 in the European Championship quarter-finals.

He scored 21 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions for Everton during the 2020-21 season, but has failed to reach double figures since.

“If he can reach his former heights everyone will celebrate and tell us it’s a bargain for us to get a striker who is normally not affordable for a newly promoted side, so well done,” Farke said.

“But the worst-case scenario is that yes, perhaps his injuries will limit a bit his time here for Leeds United – that’s the second part of the truth.

“But it’s important for us we have not spent one pound in transfer fees because he is a free agent, so it’s not much of a risk.”

Calvert-Lewin is reported to have turned down the offer of a three-year contract worth £18million from Fenerbahce in favour of a move to Leeds.

Farke added: “He’s so highly motivated to play for this club. He’s fully committed and still has the desire to reach his former heights.

“In the end this was a no-brainer for me because we can win a lot, but we don’t lose much and didn’t risk anything on a transfer fee because he’s a free agent.

“We still have money then to also strengthen in a few other positions.

“So looking at the whole picture, yes there are a few question marks and a few doubts, but the chances are way higher than the problems or the risk.”