Everton moved on from a lot of players this offseason, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s departure was perhaps the one with the most complicated feelings. He had been at the club for years, he scored clutch goals, and he went through severe scoring droughts. But, for the past few seasons, good or bad, he was always there.
On Monday, he’ll be on the opposing side of the Toffees. DCL signed with Leeds this past week, and while there is doubt whether he’ll start or make an appearance on Monday, he is in fact registered and could be selected to play,
DCL isn’t the only player at Leeds with a connection to Everton; although this next player never made an appearance for the Toffees, he was definitely close to doing so a few years ago.
Everton’s transfer saga with Wilfried Gnonto was as dramatic as they come. According to reports, Willy Gnonto submitted a transfer request from Leeds in 2023, and Everton had multiples bids for the player rejected. Unfortunately for the Toffees, the transfer never went through, and Gnonto has stayed in Leeds since.
What’s ironic is how Gnonto would definitely fit into this version of Everton. This team still needs a true winger to slot in on the right side, and a front four of Gnonto, Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Grealish, and Thierno Barry would be strong enough to compete for a spot in an European competition next season.
Alas, that group of players will most likely never see the pitch together as teammates, but Gnonto will probably start for Leeds in their first Premier League match since 2023 and could cause trouble for Everton’s backline which is suffering from injuries.