In the final stages of the 2016 summer transfer window, Everton made the swoop for Sheffield United teenager Dominic Calvert-Lewin for £1.5m.
The 19-year-old striker clearly had potential, as he made his debut for England under-20 the very next day after signing. He had never fully shown off his talents at Bramall Lane, but that may have had more to do with his age than anything.
Everton fans took to Twitter to show their reaction over this signing, and it was a mixed bag. On one hand, a lot of fans were keen to welcome the teenager to Goodison Park, seeing this as a great signing for the future. However, there was a share that showed their disapproval of this deal. But that may have been more to do with their demand for high-profile signings at the end of the transfer window, rather any disdain towards Calvert-Lewin himself.
This is how the fans reacted:
https://twitter.com/EllHamlett/status/771105598763044864
next Rashford
— (@CorinxYZ) 31 August 2016
will be good for the future but our first team needs sorting ASAP.
— $LENDERMAN (@EFCMatthew) 31 August 2016
Good luck to Dcl and Everton. He’s got a great club t bring out something if it’s there. Looks good business for us
— jon (@vstox) 31 August 2016
Sheffield United have missed a trick there. We would have paid at least £30m for him had they held out.
— Carren Dorless (@bluepants1878) 31 August 2016
we are winning the lot GET INNNNNNNNNNN
— mogsy (@mogs157) 31 August 2016
great signing. Welcome to EFC
— Trevor Sawyer (@trevorsawyer) 31 August 2016
These fans were not happy, on the other hand:
Announce Someone else
— Zac (@ZacNSNO) 31 August 2016
Sure he’s a nice lad but it isn’t the time to announce young kids.
— Mike (@TheMikeKehoe) 31 August 2016
SIGN REAL PLAYERS
— Leo (@LeoEFC) 31 August 2016
Two and a half years after signing, and fans may well still be divided over Calvert-Lewin at Everton. The 21-year-old has now made 58 Premier League appearances for The Toffees, managing eight goals and six assists. That is a fairly paltry return for a forward. Of course, he is young, but that is not necessarily a legitimate excuse, as there are many players younger than him that are performing at a higher level.
However, with the addition of some real class in attack such as Richarlison and Bernard, this may be the season where Everton fans may see the best from Calvert-Lewin. If not, it is hard to predict his future.
