Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media/Imago
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media/Imago
Match

Bundesliga expert shares lowdown on Everton deadline day recruit Merlin Rohl

Declan Carr
Declan Carr

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at Sports Mole and VAVEL; Masters graduate from Liverpool John Moores University. FOCUS Breaking news, long-form analysis, and club-level insight across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Declan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the depth behind the headlines — from breaking news to analytical deep-dives — to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Everton added Merlin Rohl as their only deadline day recruit to finish the summer window.

Rohl became David Moyes' ninth signing of the summer, as the Scotsman completely revamped his Blues squad.

Everton failed to sign a right-back to perfect their business, and they have not signed one in a summer window since Phil Neville in 2005.

Constantin Eckner believes that Rohl will be the perfect cover for new Everton star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but a different Bundesliga expert has mooted another position.

Everton chief Dan Friedkin
The Friedkin Group backed Moyes in the market. (Credit: Imago)

Goodison News presents the exclusive opinion of Sky Sports' Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard.

Everton given Merlin Rohl verdict as Bundesliga expert speaks out

Everton have a buy obligation for Rohl, which will force them to purchase him for £17.3million at the end of the season.

Hatchard believes it is a good signing for the Blues, but he still needs to prove himself at the elite level of the game.

Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, he said: "He is a tall midfielder who has been hampered by injury.

"He is talented, but yet to show he can be consistent at a high level; he can play at full-back too."

David Moyes will be thrilled with Merlin Rohl verdict

Moyes needed extra depth in midfield, and the signing of the Germany Under-21 star allowed the Blues to send Harrison Armstrong on loan to Preston.

They also needed extra options at right-back, but failed to bring one in on deadline day, so if Rohl can fill in there, as Hatchard claims, it will be a relief for the Scotsman.

  • Rohl's best position is as an advanced eight
  • He can also play on the flanks
  • Can operate as a number 10, but does not have the passing range to thrive there

If the 22-year-old can prove himself at a high level, it could be a masterstroke from the Friedkin Group, especially given the relatively cheap fee that they have secured to sign him permanently.

Rohl has the potential to be a superstar; he just has to thrive at the Hill Dickinson Stadium when he is handed an opportunity.

If he can do that, he has every chance of reaching his ceiling and becoming a bona fide Premier League star.

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Merlin Rohl
Kevin Hatchard
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