Liverpool and Everton approach the 2024 summer transfer window under contrasting circumstances.
This time, it’s Everton enjoying stability in their managerial position, with Sean Dyche having led the team for over a year. However, uncertainties remain regarding the club’s ownership and off-field matters.
As Anfield prepares for a new chapter, Jurgen Klopp’s departure marks the dawn of Arne Slot’s tenure as Liverpool’s manager, commencing officially on June 1.
The upcoming transfer window will shed light on Liverpool’s financial commitment to support Slot, especially amidst speculation surrounding the potential departure of key players like Mohamed Salah.
In contrast, Everton face a more precarious situation, lacking the financial muscle to retain their star players and rebuff enticing offers, unlike their wealthier counterparts.
The constraints of profit and sustainability regulations have left Everton vulnerable to potential player exits, sparking speculation over who might depart Goodison Park this summer.
Among the discussed names, Alan Pardew has singled out Dominic Calvert-Lewin, raising the prospect of the striker being courted by Newcastle United.
The former Premier League manager feels the 27-year-old could play for ‘any team’ in the Premier League and even backed him to do so for Liverpool, as he told talkSPORT (02/06/24 at 8:40 pm).
Pardew thinks, if Calvert-Lewin was playing up front for Slot, then he would ‘deliver’, with his only issue, and it’s his biggest issue, being his inability to stay out of the treatment room.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Liverpool
“I think every Premier League manager would take him,” said Pardew. “Whether you could get your owner to say ‘okay, I am going to pay the £40 million or the £45 million’, whatever he is going to be, it will be less than that given his injuries.
“Chairmen don’t want to go for a player that might only play ten games, but his ten games could be so significant to a manager and it could save his job. He could save you in the league. He could win you a cup. He could get you into Europe.
“That’s the difference he can make when he is on his game. In those last couple of games he played, he was magnificent against Liverpool.
“There aren’t many players who can achieve, the level he can achieve when he is fit. The problem, of course, is his unavailability, which happens to be a bit of an issue for him.
“Realistically, he could play in any team. I honestly believe that. Even at Liverpool. At times, you could stick him at centre-forward, no problem and you know he would deliver.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin Next Season
In the 2023/24 season, Calvert-Lewin’s performance may have been forgettable on paper, with just seven Premier League goals and a notable goal against Liverpool amidst a significant scoring drought.
However, this season marked the first time in several years that he logged over 2,000 minutes in the Premier League, a stark contrast to previous seasons marred by injuries, limited playing time, and a struggle with confidence, sharpness, and rhythm.
The last time he reached this milestone, he netted 16 goals and secured a spot on England’s Euro 2020 squad, highlighting his potential when in top form.
With his confidence and rhythm restored this season, there’s optimism that his goal-scoring prowess and overall performance will continue to improve in the upcoming term, provided he remains fit and maintains a consistent presence on the pitch.
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