“Report: Everton Star Now Much More Likely to Leave for Free”

On September 3, it was reported that the club is “likely” to make further attempts to retain the player by offering new contract deals.

However, since the transfer window has closed without a new agreement, the chances of the player leaving for free have significantly increased.

The player’s contract situation remains a “live problem,” with him showing “no willingness” to extend it.

Despite expectations from both the player and the club, the transfer interest did not materialize as anticipated during the window, largely due to a £30 million asking price that was deemed “prohibitive.”

Negotiations with Newcastle for a swap involving Yakuba Minteh fell through over personal terms.

Similarly, intermediaries proposed a similar deal with Chelsea, but Everton declined the option of including David Datro Fofana.

As a result, Calvert-Lewin is now “probably” in his final year with the club, with loanee Armando Broja being considered as a potential replacement.

Armando Broja, who left Chelsea on loan, is seen as auditioning for a future role at Everton.

If Calvert-Lewin’s reluctance to extend his stay at Goodison Park is linked to ongoing uncertainties over the club’s ownership, as reported by Paul Joyce on July 19, then a breakthrough in contract negotiations seems unlikely in the near future.

Although Calvert-Lewin scored his first goal of the season against Bournemouth, it wasn’t enough to secure Everton’s first win of the campaign.

He will need to score many more goals to make his potential final season with the club worthwhile, especially if it means sacrificing a transfer fee.

Broja isn’t expected to be available until October due to a foot injury that also affected his move to Ipswich, according to The Athletic on August 30.

Everton’s agreement with Chelsea ensures that they won’t pay anything toward Broja’s wages until he is part of the match-day squad, as reported by the Liverpool Echo on August 31.

This situation, however, means that Broja can’t yet contribute to the team.

With Youssef Chermiti also injured and Neal Maupay offloaded to Marseille, Everton’s striking options are limited.

This puts pressure on Calvert-Lewin and Beto to improve their performance.

Everton reportedly has a £30 million option in Broja’s loan deal, which indicates that a straight swap between the 22-year-old and Everton’s number nine could have satisfied both clubs if they had been fit.

However, just as nobody wanted to pay that much for Calvert-Lewin, the price seems steep for the injury-prone Broja, who has only scored three times in two years.

He will need to regain full fitness and form to justify a potential permanent move to replace Calvert-Lewin.