Everton conclude deadline-beating Röhl deal
SC Freiburg midfielder Merlin Röhl became Everton's ninth and final signing of the summer transfer window when his switch from the Bundesliga was finalised this evening.
The 23-year-old, a reported target of the Blues since January, flew to Merseyside early this morning to undergo a medical while the two clubs hammered out an initial loan deal with an obligation to make the transfer permanent next summer for a reported €20m.
A Germany Under-21 international who impressed during the recent European Championships for that age level, Röhl is a rangy, box-to-box midfielder who fills an urgent need for depth in that area of the Blues's squad.
David Moyes began the season with just James Garner, Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegnunam as senior starters in central midfield and a deal for Röhl allows highly-rated academy product, Harrison Armstrong, to leave on loan.
Armstrong was been lined up by Championship outfit Preston North End while Youssef Chermiti completed an initial £8m move to Rangers today.
Tyler Onyango has joined Stockport County as expected, but only on loan, while Isaac Heath sealed a temporary switch to Accrington Stanley.
“I’m really excited and full of joy to sign for Everton," Röhl said after the deal was completed. "It’s a big club, with great history and great fans.
“It’s the right time for me to join Everton. It feels like a shifting point for the Club. The future looks really good and I’m excited to be part of it.
“I’ve watched the evolution of the Club closely. With the manager and stadium, there are a lot of positives.
“I just love to play football and can’t wait to play in front of such passionate fans in such a great stadium.
“The Everton fans are passionate and demand hard work and that’s what I like as it matches what I can bring.
“I see myself as a box-to-midfielder and I feel I can bring my qualities to this team after having discussions with the manager. I think versatility is a strength of mine and the style of my game will suit the Premier League.”
This article has been updated to amend downwards the reported transfer fee from €25m
Reader Responses
Selected thoughts from readers01/09/2025 20:49:31
Let's see, if this deal has been completed, plenty of noise today suggesting he was taking a medical.
I hope also that if not now, Everton, go back in the next transfer window for Merlin.
01/09/2025 21:57:13
Let's see, if this deal has been completed, plenty of noise today suggesting he was taking a medical.
I hope also that if not now, Everton, go back in the next transfer window for Merlin.
01/09/2025 22:02:07
Post press delay..
Made up, with the confirmation of Merlins loan deal.
Everton are on the up.
It will take time, to get back to top 5 status, but yes its early days of this season, but Moyes, looks like he is on a mission.
Great to see Everton playing good football.
Happy Days!
01/09/2025 22:05:48
A "complete disappointment" is a bit strong Harry.
I'd still give this window an 8.5/10. The right back slot is a baffling one, but we do have cover there in O'Brien, Patterson, Garner and Coleman.
We did have the 4th best defense last season, and aside from losing Young, we still have that same defense. Our problem was creating chances and scoring goals, and we've made some hugely exciting signings to address that problem.
We're going to be a much better team to watch this season no doubt about it. It was always unlikely we would get a complete rebuild done in one window, that would have been an unrealistic expectation.
We've all witnessed windows that genuinely were complete disappointments. This one is light years ahead of some of those.
01/09/2025 22:41:59
I am disappointed we didnt get a specialist right back in. However, overall I am delighted in the huge improvements made, especially to midfield.
Exciting times at last! Thank you David Moyes, Thank You TFG and Thank You Uncle Alisher for Hill Dicko!
UTFT!
01/09/2025 22:56:27
I’m thoroughly happy with this window, seeing it’s Moyes’ first.
It was always going to be a hard task, to get the kind of players, who could make a difference to our propulsion, without spending à la « other lot «
The new Dawn has positively Broken and confidence is Brimming among Players and fans alike.
We miss Branthwaite now, more than ever, but I can’t wait to see what this latest signing will bring to our game.
There’s real Buzz about now!
01/09/2025 23:13:15
I have a feeling Rohl will be a great player, apparently Liverpool wanted to sign him, they had scouts watch him and was going to make an offer in January.
He looks strong on the ball and technically sound, loves to tackle.
All in all, a very good window but having a solid right back who can get up and down those wings would of made us almost formidable so I’m disappointed with that.
01/09/2025 23:16:09
Yea A "complete disappointment. 9 quality players what a bummer. I was hoping for a few duds so I would have something to moan about. Now, thanks to that bloody club, I'm going to have to find something else to moan about. Oh man.
UTFT
02/09/2025 06:57:24
A ‘complete disappointment’ - utterly hilarious!
Anyway, welcome Merlin and the best of luck.
Please try not to pay too much attention to the world class armchair scouts amongst the fan base who after a couple of games will declare you are not good enough / not going to make back your transfer fee / and, most bizarrely, not a footballer!
02/09/2025 07:31:25
This transfer window was always going to be challenging, but I can't help but feel we've had a really good one.
Clearly a "buy young with resale value" mantra from the board but we have bought real quality.
Moyes clearly happy to wait in replacing Coleman at RB, and I believe our new attack line can keep the ball at in the opposition half so we aren't defending for 60 minutes like in recent seasons.
Not getting carried away but give them a month or so to gell and Grealish, Ndaiye and KDH could be ripping defences apart. I watched too many percentage balls into the box for 3 seasons.
Actually looking forward to games this season. UTFT!
02/09/2025 09:09:38
Like the look of this lad. Bit of pace, runs and passes forwards, will have that German work ethic and mindset and can seemingly play in a few midfield roles.
For me, a good transfer window with some players comfortable with a football and instinctively looking forwards. Bit of versatility in there too, which is important for a squad light on numbers.
Plus, the age of the team has dropped markedly.
02/09/2025 10:43:14
This has been a much better window than I expected. Okay, we could do with a right back, but I think the recruitment team has done an excellent job in an ultra competitive market. We do really need Branthwaite back ASAP though.
02/09/2025 13:46:13
All in all a good window. I would have liked a new right back but it will give Patterson a last opportunity until January to prove himself, and we have O'Brien and Coleman as well, with Garner capable of doing a job there.
The midfield group looks so much stronger now with the acquisition of Alcaraz, Grealish, KDH, Rohl and Dibbling.
Upfront looks light with the departure of Chermiti but perhaps we have a teenager of our own lurking in the younger age groups!
03/09/2025 18:34:05
I am delighted with the signing & an image of a distinguished past Blue came to mind; just an image initially but the name followed.
Perhaps a re-incarnation of Marouane Fellani?
Certainly more than a few similarities some of you might agree.
I see the wisdom of loaning Marshall a little clearer now.
By now I was convinced some word play on the young man's might have surfaced on our site. To fill the void:-
Merlin cast a spell over the Bramley Moor crowd with his magical passing and his wand like accuracy caused some to exclaim ' How wizard; what sorcery is afoot!They were clearly bewitched.
04/09/2025 16:34:06
Good posts Harry
I think You are right on both counts. Especially when you say it was an excellent window. The dogs in the street have been barking about how badly we need a right back and I suspect the overwhelming majority of Evertonians (including Davey Moyes) will share your disappointment that we were not able to land one.
No harm in that. I'd be worried if they were'nt
05/09/2025 17:50:38
It wouldn't be Everton if it was a perfect window. But,we have to be pretty damn happy with how it evolved surely?
I mean, I'm excited by the brand of footy we're seeing (ignoring the Leeds debacle).
And, as they get to know each other better, and the stronger bench we have, I believe we can be an entertaining force to be reckoned with.
Early days, I know, but the Freidkin Group have had a very sound start - and with the women's side too.
It's nice to feel so positive.
COYB.
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01/09/2025 16:06:45
What has generally been an excellent window up to now will ultimately be a complete disappointment.
If we don’t sign a right back that’s terrible planning I’m afraid and TFG and Moyes should take a long hard look in the mirror!