(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Josh Edwards

Thu 2 April 2026 12:10, UK

Everton look likely to be forced into signing Merlin Rohl permanently once their Premier League status is confirmed.

Having joined on loan off the back of a fairly successful season with Freiburg, Everton had quite high hopes for Rohl this season.

However, the 23-year-old German has started just twice for the Toffees in the Premier League, having made a total of 12 top-flight appearances with a combined 358 minutes.

It’s since been claimed that Everton will have to sign Rohl permanently if they avoid relegation, with that potentially set to be confirmed in nine days.

Merlin Rohl transfer would be a disaster for Everton

There is every chance that Everton could be playing European football next season, and in order to compete, they will need to set aside the finances in the summer to bring in that level of player.

However, Everton may have to stump up £18million to sign Rohl permanently, with it believed that the deal will become official as soon as they are mathematically safe from relegation.

And with a clash against Brentford in nine days, a win for the Toffees could see the deal finalised, depending on how West Ham fare against Wolves.

If that were to be the case, it would be a howler from the Toffees, given the lack of quality he has showcased in the Premier League so far this season.

For context, he ranks among the bottom 17 per cent of Premier League midfielders for his pass accuracy, while also being in the bottom 17 per cent for his dribble success rate.

Everton must avoid Rohl repeat this summer with clear transfer shift

Loan moves can, and often are, beneficial to all parties, but obligation clauses are the ones that often cause the most issues.

Especially in this instance, when Everton have signed an inexperienced midfielder with no knowledge of how he would fare, only to be roped into paying an eight-figure fee for him 12 months later.

The Toffees need to avoid similar deals like that in the future, or it will set them back quite signficantly, unless said player has already proven his worth in the top flight before.