The in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin will face Everton for the first time since his summer departure on Monday week as Leeds United visit Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time
Dominic Calvert-Lewin reacts after a missed chance during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Fulham at Elland Road on January 17, 2026(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin says he is “looking forward” to his first return to Everton since his departure. The England international parted company with the Blues in June after nine years on Merseyside.
A free agent, Calvert-Lewin was linked to the likes of Newcastle United, Manchester United and Sunderland, but it wasn’t until August that he agreed terms with a new club.
And it’s safe to say his move to Leeds United has worked out well for both parties. After a fairly slow start to his Elland Road career, the former Everton hero has exploded into life since scoring in a 3-2 loss at Manchester City on November 29.
OPINION
Chris BeesleyREAD MORE: David Moyes shares ‘strong words’ he had with Jack Grealish after ‘stupid’ Everton incident
He has now netted eight goals in his last 10 matches and this week was named the Premier League’s Player of the Month for December.
Calvert-Lewin was unable to add to his tally yesterday (Saturday) but that didn’t stop Leeds from continuing their excellent form as they won 1-0 at home to Fulham thanks to an injury-time winner from Lukas Nmecha.
Next up for the newly promoted Whites is a first-ever trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium, which their talisman cannot wait for.
“Yeah, obviously looking forward to it,” said Calvert-Lewin to Sky Sports ahead of the victory over Fulham.
“It’ll be interesting going up against them, having played for them for so long, you know, seeing familiar faces, old faces, and also the new stadium, which I was a part of for a long time and seeing that get built and then to go and play there.
“It’s something I’m definitely looking forward to. But for me, I’m not going to say the cliche one game at a time because generally I look two, three games in front, two, three games in front. You know, you look to see who you’ve got coming up in in the near in the short term because then, you know, it compounds.
“So, no need to look too far ahead. I don’t look too far, but definitely, yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”
While Calvert-Lewin has thrived at Leeds, Everton manager’s current forward options, Beto and £27m summer signing Thierno Barry, have struggled, netting just five Premier League goals between then.
Calvert-Lewin scored 71 goals in 274 appearances for the Blues, including the winner in the 3-2 victory at home to Crystal Palace in May 2022 that secured the club’s survival from relegation.
The 28-year-old said when announcing his departure from Everton in the summer: “After nine remarkable years at this club, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision – together with my family – to begin a new chapter in my career. This isn’t something I chose lightly. Everton has been my home since I was 19 years old.
“It’s the place that saw potential in me, challenged me to grow, and shaped me both as a footballer and as a man.
“I want to express my gratitude to all the managers and coaches I’ve worked with over the years, and to my teammates who have become lifelong friends.
“Above all, I want to speak to you, the fans. Your passion is the beating heart of this club. Whether times were good or tough. Your unwavering support never faltered.
“Celebrating goals at Goodison Park, feeling that roar, is an experience I’ll carry with me forever.
“The choice to move on was not simply about me – it was a decision my family and I spent a long time considering together. We believe it is the right moment to seek a new challenge and continue growing, but that doesn’t lessen the bond I’ll always have with Everton.
“I’m deeply proud if what we’ve shared, fighting for this club when it mattered most, scoring big goals in crucial moments, wearing the shirt with commitment and pride. My hope is that I leave with your respect, knowing I always sought to uphold the values of this great club. Thank you for everything. From my very first day, I always knew what it meant to play for Everton. Up the Toffees.”
Before hosting Leeds next Monday (February 26), the Blues travel to title-challenging Aston Villa today (Sunday) in a 4.30pm kick-off.