Why Aston Villa are trying to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin – PSR and Ollie Watkins exit news
Aston Villa are weighing up a move for free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The striker left Everton at the end of the season after almost ten years with the Toffees, and is among the options being considered at Villa Park.
Unai Emery is hoping to strengthen his options in attack after Marcus Rashford’s departure left just Ollie Watkins and Donyell Malen among the Spaniard’s natural options through the middle.
The Villans have signed just one player so far this summer, with goalkeeper Marco Bizot arriving from Brest.
Villa turn to Calvert-Lewin amid PSR concerns
Calvert-Lewin was, at one stage, considered among the Premier League’s finest strikers.
In the 2020/21 season, the forward netted 16 league goals and added three assists, building a reputation for himself as a constant threat from crosses and transitional attacks.
Calvert-Lewin was also handed his first England caps, scoring four goals in the 11 appearances he made for the Three Lions.
| Season | Matches missed through injury |
| 2024/25 | 15 |
| 2023/24 | 6 |
| 2022/23 | 29 |
| 2021/22 | 33 |
But injuries have hampered the striker significantly since then, with hamstring tears and ligament issues resulting in long periods on the injury table in each of the last four seasons.
Villa appear to have looked past those issues, however, and see Calvert-Lewin as a good option to add depth to the front line.
And according to the Sun (27 July), the Villans are still struggling against the Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Calvert-Lewin’s availability on a free transfer would work to get around the rules, whilst allowing Villa to strengthen their squad.
The striker’s arrival would also provide cover in case Manchester United or Newcastle United make a late move for Watkins.
Calvert-Lewin move makes sense
Whilst Villa fans will be bemused by the club’s interest in Calvert-Lewin, the move does carry some logic.
The striker’s injury problems are fierce, but Emery will be able to offer the striker a role he never had at Everton.
That would be to appear off the bench as an impact substitution, and provide cover in the case of an injury to Watkins.
The ability that has always set Calvert-Lewin apart, is his power to make something out of nothing.
Whether that is a long ball, a set-piece or just a cross, the striker’s tall frame and deft touch has often allowed him to pop up with key goals.
A move for Calvert-Lewin is not attractive, but it is low-risk – and perhaps that is what Villa need.
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