Newcastle United’s efforts to bring in one of the strikers paid by the Premier League this summer will likely look to require an element of compromise on his part for such a move to occur.
Magpies are set to secure Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga signature for £55 million, and now they can turn their attention to adding a centre forward as they are confident in dodging Liverpool in the transfer race for Crystal Palace defender Mark Gehi.
Athletics Chris War reported Tuesday morning that Eddie Howe’s side was interested in Dominic Calvert Lewin after Everton’s release, and the 28-year-old came to the radar at St. James Park after a failed pursuit of Joa Pedro.
However, as outlined by Ben Jacobs, the striker’s wage demands seem to complicate the possibility of a free transfer in Newcastle.
Calvert Lewin’s request raises the issue in Newcastle
The journalist explained (via X): “Newcastle retains interest in Dominique Calvert Lewin, but remains silent to meet his term. Nothing is going to be done at the moment, and no new offers have been offered to Calvert-Lewin so far.
‘#nufc After missing out on Joao Pedro, I’m still evaluating some options and won’t expand my learning on Callum Wilson.
“Movement only progresses if Calvert Lewin reduces the conditions from 12 months ago. #NUFC I made a specific offer. Still, Newcastle is somewhat wary of Calvert Lewin’s injury record.
Newcastle’s concerns are justified
Jacobs did not specify exactly what salary the striker was looking for, but the Chronicle reported in April that wage expectations for the 28-year-old were £100,000 a week, consistent with what he earned at Everton last season.
It placed him jointly on Newcastle’s Wage List (Capology). This does not seem to be financially over-banned at the surface level unless Calvert Lewin shifts its goal post in terms of its demand.
We understand concerns about England International’s fitness records. Over the past four years, he has experienced 11 individual absences, missing a total of 83 matches (transfemark), which amounted to an average of 21 matches per 11 seasons.
It must sound the alarm in the boardroom of St. James’s parks, even when he recalls the noble praises from his former Everton manager, Carlo Ancelotti, who said in his time at Merseyside that the Sheffield native has “all the qualities to become a top striker” (BBC Sports).
Normally, the opportunity to sign centre forward with 57 Premier League goals on a free transfer is hard to refuse, but if Calvert Lewin is not ready to respond flexibly to wage demands, the magpie may be forced to quickly switch to elsewhere in the market.