Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Wed 1 April 2026 19:10, UK

Charly Alcaraz will be gutted to learn that Everton are now stuck with Merlin Rohl.

The Argentine signed permanently for the Toffees in the summer of 2025 and has played a bit-part role under David Moyes.

That isn’t to say that the ex-Southampton man hasn’t been a useful asset within the squad when actually called upon at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

He hasn’t been available due to injury recently, but that hasn’t impacted the side as James Garner and Idrissa Gueye continue to dominate midfield.

That has caused frustration surrounding the future of Rohl after his summer move from Freiburg, but he’s now set to stick around on Merseyside.

Everton can’t pull out of Merlin Rohl permanent deal

There was certainly excitement when the Germany under-21 international made the move to L4 in the final stages of the summer window.

That has quickly subsided with his mostly poor performances limiting his minutes in the Premier League throughout the campaign.

There aren’t really calls to see more of him, as his showings have hardly been anything to write home about.

If anything, there have been hopes that the permanent deal as part of his loan agreement could be cancelled ahead of the summer.

That won’t be the case after the Liverpool Echo reported on Wednesday that the clause does not have a mechanism for the deal to be cancelled.

Considering Everton haven’t seen anything great from Rohl this season, that will be a blow to them and Alcaraz.

Charly Alcaraz now destined for summer exit

The Blues will now brace themselves to spend £18million on the German as soon as the summer transfer window opens.

That is hardly going to go down well, but unfortunately, that is the nature of the best when it comes to agreeing on loan deals with obligations to buy.

It could mean selling other midfielders may become necessary, and Alcaraz could prove to be the fall guy after just 673 Premier League minutes this season.

The Argentine would likely attract interest from sides across Europe and South America, having played for Juventus and Flamengo recently.

Everton may not want to see him go, but with Rohl’s signing forced upon them, it may be their only option.