Dominic Calvert-Lewin has opened up about the profound summer realisation that led him to Leeds United, declaring he is now playing the best football of his career after a bold decision to leave Everton.
The Yorkshire Homecoming
The England striker, who became a free agent last summer after nine years at Goodison Park, admits his move to Elland Road felt destined from the moment he arrived. Calvert-Lewin signed for Leeds just four days before the 2025/26 season began, a calculated risk that has paid dividends.
"It did feel strange at first," Calvert-Lewin confessed. "But I knew from the first day I walked in at Leeds and I heard Yorkshire accents that I felt at home. The staff all speaking like me. I felt very comfortable." He described the atmosphere at Elland Road as "special" and a stark contrast to the hostility he faced there as an opposing player.
A Summer of Reflection and Realisation
Choosing to run down his contract at Everton was a conscious gamble for the 28-year-old. He turned down immediate offers, opting for a period of reflection that proved pivotal. This was the first time in his professional career he had experienced being a free agent.
"The summer showed me two things really," he explained. "On the one hand, it gave me a break with my family that I would never normally have. Then, on the other hand, it made me miss football so much and made me realise that I’m far from finished." He recalled poignant moments, like pushing his daughter on a swing while other players returned for pre-season, which clarified his hunger for the game.
He credits his wife for providing a "level head" during moments of uncertainty and says his mental strength, forged through a career of proving himself, was key. "You don’t succeed at this level for as long as I have done without having a certain level of resilience, robustness and mental toughness," Calvert-Lewin stated.
Proving Doubters Wrong in a New Chapter
Calvert-Lewin was aware of a mixed reception from some sections of the Leeds fanbase, who may have hoped for a big-money signing. He was also conscious of narratives around his fitness. His response has been emphatic: a rich vein of form and crucial goals for Daniel Farke's side.
"I do feel like this is the second phase of my career," he declared. "I’ve still got so much that I still want to achieve... it gives me so much motivation that, when the next opportunity arises, I’m going to grab it with both hands."
He is now focused on helping Leeds United solidify their Premier League status, seeing team success as the ultimate way to shift perceptions. "I’m swimming with the tide now," Calvert-Lewin concluded, "and you want to maintain that momentum." His journey the 'long way round' has found its perfect destination in Yorkshire.
