Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Fri 24 April 2026 7:10, UK

Merlin Rohl’s permanent move to Everton is likely to have a number of negative consequences for David Moyes‘ team.

Rohl swapped Freiburg for Everton last September on a season-long loan and initially, there was a good deal of hope surrounding the Germany Under-21 international.

The 6ft 3in midfielder has drawn comparisons to modern German great Leon Goretzka but Everton have seen little to no evidence of that so far.

His last Premier League start came more than three months ago against Aston Villa, with the 23-year-old being an unused substitute in nine of the Toffees’ last 11 matches.

Reports suggest Rohl’s move to Everton will become permanent now that their Premier League safety is secured, something that was never under threat. This deal will hurt them in more ways than one.

Everton stuck with out of favour Merlin Rohl

It seems that, as the season has progressed, Rohl is not a Moyes-type signing. Now, they have to recruit him for a reported £21.6million due to the obligation clause.

Two starts across the entire campaign do not make for great reading, with the rangy player chalking up a handful of minutes since March.

While The Friedkin Group have improved Everton’s financial standing, every penny counts in the world of PSR.

Not only is the Rohl fee a big one, but Everton will now have £21.6m less to spend on other targets that could have gone a long way to improving their squad for next season.

Everton may try and cash in on the midfielder, but off the back of this campaign, they are likely to make a loss on him.

Everton are pushing for Europe and if they don’t secure that goal, funds may be tighter than many fans would want.

Now, they are stuck with a player who is on the fringes and is taking up a valuable squad spot. He could yet turn his fortunes around but right now, the outlook appears bleak.

Everton must bounce back after Liverpool loss

Hopes were high of a rare Merseyside derby win over Liverpool last Sunday, only for Liverpool to score a last-gasp winner at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton have since dropped down to 10th in the Premier League, although they do have games in hand on sixth-placed Brighton and seventh-placed Bournemouth.

A win at West Ham on Saturday will see the Toffees leapfrog those two in the table, as Moyes prepares to face his old side.

Everton have won more Premier League games against West Ham both overall (29) and on their travels (13) than they have against any other opponent in the competition.

They will hope that continues on Saturday at London Stadium.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.