David Moyes Targets Merlin Rohl to Strengthen Everton Midfield

Everton manager David Moyes has signed Germany Under-21 international Merlin Rohl on a season-long loan from Freiburg, with a potential £18m permanent deal if relegation is avoided. The 23-year-old versatile midfielder, capable of playing box-to-box and in multiple central roles, debuted in a goalless draw against Aston Villa. Rohl strengthens Everton amid key absences like Idrissa Gueye at Africa Cup of Nations.

In the summer of 2025, Everton bolstered their midfield with the deadline day signing of Germany Under-21 international Merlin Rohl, a move long pursued by manager David Moyes. The 23-year-old joins the club on a season-long loan from Freiburg, with a clause obliging Everton to make the deal permanent for around £18 million if the team avoids relegation. Rohl, who made his debut as a substitute in Everton’s goalless draw against Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium, is a versatile box-to-box midfielder capable of playing both in attack and deeper roles.

Moyes views Rohl as a key addition to a squad that has undergone a major overhaul under the Friedkin Group’s ownership and the move to the new stadium. The manager believes Rohl’s versatility will help cover gaps left by players like Idrissa Gueye, who will miss December and January due to the Africa Cup of Nations, and James Garner, often deployed at left back due to injuries. Tim Iroegbunam remains inexperienced in the Premier League, and promising youngster Harrison Armstrong was loaned out after Rohl’s signing was confirmed.

Rohl’s transfer follows Moyes’ unsuccessful attempt to bring in Tomas Soucek from West Ham. Having monitored Rohl since January, Moyes emphasizes that the midfielder’s adaptability could allow him to contribute in multiple areas as he adjusts to Everton and the Premier League.