Merlin Rohl is finished at Everton after what David Moyes has just done
Everton have made some disastrous agreements over the years, and the capture of Merlin Rohl continues to look like a poor decision.
Everton signed Rohl on loan from Freiburg on transfer deadline day, with an obligation to buy for £17.3million in the summer.
But David Moyes may be cursing the decision to place an obligation to sign the German in his contract, as he’s failed to live up to expectations at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Rohl has started just once in the Premier League since moving to Merseyside, and that was in Everton’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Moyes then introduced the 23-year-old at half-time against Brentford, before starting him on the bench in their showdown with Wolves.
Harrison Armstrong starts for Everton ahead of Merlin Rohl
Competition for places in Everton’s engine room was weakened when Idrissa Gueye left for ACON, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall suffered an injury.
That is why Everton recalled Harrison Armstrong from his loan at Preston North End early after the 18-year-old impressed in the Championship.
Armstrong was a shining light against Brentford on Sunday during his 13-minute cameo, and Moyes saw enough to reward him with his first Premier League start.
Tonight's Toffees to face @Wolves! 👊#EVEWOL pic.twitter.com/W2leoVi9ZA
— Everton (@Everton) January 7, 2026
The England under-19 international was named in midfield alongside Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner, with the license to go forward.
Most Toffees supporters were crying out for him to start after seeing him shine at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in difficult conditions, and they’ve now been granted their wish.
Panic stations for Rohl at Everton
Armstrong was preferred ahead of Rohl against Wolves, and alarm bells will surely be ringing for the German.
In a midfield that is light on options and strong competition, an academy graduate is starting ahead of someone who will cost £17.3m next summer.
That just proves how much Rohl has struggled since moving to England and arguably shows he isn’t ready for Premier League football.
The situation will get even worse for him once Dewsbury-Hall and Gueye return, as he could find himself sixth in the pecking order of central midfield options.