The 27-year-old has long been a transfer target for Newcastle United, who are seeking attacking reinforcements due to the uncertain future of Callum Wilson. Wilson, now in the final year of his contract with Newcastle, is reportedly open to exploring new opportunities elsewhere, especially with Alexander Isak securing his position as the club’s primary striker during the 2023-24 season.
Newcastle has been eyeing Calvert-Lewin since 2021, and he is entering the summer transfer window following a strong campaign. Despite past injury issues, the 11-time England international made 33 Premier League appearances for Everton last season, scoring seven goals.
Reports suggest that Everton would demand around £37 million for Calvert-Lewin, who also has a year remaining on his contract at Goodison Park.
However, a loophole in the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) could enable Newcastle to complete the deal while adhering to PSR. This is because Everton has shown interest in Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh.
Minteh, 19, was acquired by Newcastle last summer for about £7 million and subsequently loaned to Feyenoord. Although he has yet to play for Newcastle, his impressive loan performance has boosted his market value, and the club could make a significant profit if they decide to sell him.
Newcastle is reportedly asking around £30 million for Minteh this summer. If agreed upon, this amount could be amortized over the duration of any incoming player’s contract, helping to free up Newcastle’s summer spending and appearing as a profit in the club’s annual PSR calculations, even with the acquisition of Calvert-Lewin.
Both Newcastle and Everton are under pressure to generate funds before June 30 to comply with PSR. A mutually beneficial arrangement where Minteh moves to Goodison Park and Calvert-Lewin to St James’ Park in separate financial transactions would aid both clubs in meeting PSR requirements.
While the fees for Calvert-Lewin and Minteh are still being negotiated, both players are reportedly interested in their respective moves. The sales would provide significant profits for both clubs, allowing them to reinvest in new signings with ample time left in the summer transfer window.
Newcastle aims to sell Minteh before June 30, whereas the signing of Calvert-Lewin could occur after the PSR deadline, as Everton has already agreed on a trade with Aston Villa for academy graduates Lewis Dobbin and Tim Iroegbunam. Dobbin has joined Villa, with Iroegbunam moving in the opposite direction to assist both clubs in complying with PSR.
