Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Wed 1 April 2026 16:10, UK

Everton do not have the opportunity to escape their purchase obligation for midfielder Merlin Rohl.

Rohl has made 13 appearances in all competitions for the Blues since signing last summer, as he has not yet earned David Moyes’ trust.

He was signed on deadline day, on an initial loan deal, with an £18million obligation to buy him in the following summer.

The Liverpool Echo reported on 1 April that they understand that the clause does not have a mechanism for the Toffees to cancel the deal, unless they are relegated.

Everton have not yet seen the best of Rohl, and some will question the fact that they are locked into a deal for a player who has struggled in English football so far.

How Everton could confirm Rohl deal in Brentford clash

Everton are looking towards Europe, rather than over their shoulder at the relegation zone, ahead of their clash with Brentford.

If results go their way on the weekend of 11 April, the Blues will mathematically confirm their Premier League status, triggering the deal for the German star.

If West Ham loses against Wolves or Tottenham loses at Sunderland, and Moyes’ side beats the Bees, it would mean they can no longer be relegated.

They are already out of Burnley and Wolves’ reach, so it seems unlikely that relegation is possible, which would be the only way to stop the deal for Rohl happening.

Why Rohl obligation is not the worst news for Everton

Rohl has not hit the heights that were expected of him when he joined, however, the amount of money that the Blues will likely be forced to spend on him is not a lot.

Moyes is known for waiting to throw talents into his side, rather than putting them in at the deep end, and that is probably the case with the former Freiburg man.

He has shown flashes this season, like his performances when he has started in the 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest in December and the 1-0 win over Aston Villa in January.

He may well be given an increased role next season, when he has adapted to living in England and the speed of the game, which would make the deal a very good one.