Everton have taken massive defensive risk after making late transfer decision
Everton are expected to complete their ninth and final signing of the transfer window in the final hours of deadline day.
Merlin Rohl is undergoing a medical ahead of a move to Everton from SC Freiburg, with the Toffees set to pay around £21.6million next summer.
The German can play in several positions and is expected to provide competition and support to David Moyes’ current midfield options.
Rohl’s arrival will allow Harrison Armstrong to join Preston North End on loan, with the Championship club in the process of completing a move for the 18-year-old.
Everton are interested in a move for Kellen Fisher, but are yet to submit a late offer for the Norwich City full-back.
Everton’s business likely over with Merlin Rohl arrival
Everton signed Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich earlier in the summer, but the Toffees still appear light at full-back.
James Garner has already been required to fill in at left-back this season, although Vitalii Mykolenko has since returned from injury.
But Dominic King reported on Monday 1 September that Rohl is likely to be the last addition to Moyes’ squad this summer, with no suitable deals available for a defender despite the Scot’s wishes.
Everton taking huge risk by not signing a defender
Everton have left themselves incredibly light by choosing against signing another defender in the closing hours of the transfer window.
Jake O’Brien is currently Moyes’ first choice option at right-back, with Mykolenko, when fit, the Scot’s ideal choice on the left.
But past that, the former Manchester United manager is seriously lacking in options.
| Everton – Defenders | Availability |
| Jarrad Branthwaite | Injured |
| Jake O’Brien | Available |
| James Tarkowski | Available |
| Michael Keane | Available |
| Vitalii Mykolenko | Available |
| Adam Aznou | Injured |
| Nathan Patterson | Injured |
| Seamus Coleman | Available |
Aznou is raw and inexperienced on the left, whilst on the right, Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman have suffered from extensive injury options in recent seasons.
In the centre of defence, depth is sorely lacking too – Jarrad Branthwaite is currently injured with James Tarkowski and Michael Keane currently the only other senior centre-backs available to play.
After a summer of transfer business, Everton have managed to leave themselves in such a precarious position that even one injury could lead to a crisis at the back for Moyes.
The Scot will have to manage, but he will not be pleased with the decision taken by transfer chiefs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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