Newcastle United Have ‘Held Talks’ to Sign Premier League Striker – Report | OneFootball

Newcastle Circle Calvert-Lewin Again as Free Transfer Becomes Viable Option

Newcastle United have resumed their long-standing interest in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with TalkSPORT confirming that the England striker has held fresh talks with the Tyneside club. With the 28-year-old now a free agent following his Everton exit, the financial barriers that previously halted a move have disappeared, clearing the way for a deal that could appeal to all parties.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been a known admirer of Calvert-Lewin for several seasons and reportedly pushed hard for his signing last summer. However, a combination of Everton’s asking price and the player’s wage expectations derailed that attempt. Now, with no transfer fee required and a clear need for greater attacking depth, Newcastle’s renewed approach signals serious intent.

Calvert-Lewin’s Fit Within Newcastle’s Ambitions

With Champions League football secured for the 2025-26 season, Newcastle are eager to bolster their forward line. Alexander Isak, who has netted 44 Premier League goals over the past two campaigns, is firmly established as the club’s first-choice striker. Yet the departure of Callum Wilson after the expiry of his contract leaves a noticeable gap in the squad.

Photo IMAGO

Calvert-Lewin would likely arrive as a supporting option rather than a guaranteed starter, though Alan Pardew suggested on talkSPORT’s Final Word that there’s still plenty of talent to unlock. “When he is on his game, he’s as good as any striker in the Premier League,” Pardew claimed, before going a step further with an eye-catching comparison: “Actually, on their day, there’s not much between [Calvert-Lewin and Viktor Gyokeres].”

Calvert-Lewin’s past output supports Pardew’s belief. He was Everton’s Player of the Season in 2020-21, scoring 16 league goals, and leaves Goodison Park with 71 goals and 22 assists from 273 appearances. He also ranks third in the club’s Premier League scoring charts, trailing only Romelu Lukaku and Duncan Ferguson.

Concerns Over Injuries and Consistency Remain

Despite Pardew’s backing, fitness concerns hover heavily over any potential deal. Calvert-Lewin missed 15 league games last season and struggled to find form, scoring just three goals in 26 appearances. Pardew was realistic, adding: “The consistency level of Calvert-Lewin and the fact he’s not really on the pitch that often is the big, big problem with him.”

That’s why any move would need to be incentivised around availability. “If you were going to do a contract with him, you’d certainly have something in place that he’d have to hit a certain amount of appearances for him to reach a certain financial level,” Pardew explained.

Newcastle are likely to include such clauses in any offer. Given their push for silverware and the return to elite European competition, calculated risks are part of the blueprint. If Calvert-Lewin can stay fit, he may prove to be a valuable addition.

Competition for Signature Heating Up

Newcastle are not alone in their pursuit. Manchester United, having reportedly given up on Viktor Gyokeres, have identified Calvert-Lewin as a fallback option. Newly-promoted Leeds United also explored a move but were unable to meet his wage demands.

Ultimately, it may come down to ambition and fit. Newcastle’s Champions League status gives them an edge over domestic rivals. For Calvert-Lewin, this could be a chance to reignite his career at a club ready to compete on multiple fronts.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Newcastle fan’s point of view, this potential signing doesn’t inspire unanimous confidence. On paper, Calvert-Lewin ticks a lot of boxes: Premier League-proven, good physical presence, and a strong aerial threat. But when it really matters, has he shown enough consistency or resilience? That’s doubtful.

His injury record is worrying. Missing 15 games in a single campaign is more than a red flag, it’s a pattern. For a club aiming to compete on four fronts, bringing in a player who needs “appearances-based clauses” just to justify the contract feels like a backward step.

Also, Calvert-Lewin is 28. This isn’t an investment in the future, it’s a gamble on a player who might already be past his best. When fans hear comparisons to Gyokeres, it only fuels scepticism. One is on a relentless rise, the other is trying to stay fit for 10 games in a row.

There’s also concern about the message this sends. We’ve qualified for the Champions League, and our big move is a striker released by a relegation-threatened club?

Unless this is part of a larger transfer strategy, it feels like a short-term fix. The Toon Army will back whoever wears the shirt, but if this is the marquee forward signing, eyebrows will be raised.