Merlin Rohl faces obvious Everton challenge after latest transfer plans

Merlin Rohl needs more minutes in an Everton shirt next season, everybody knows that.

The German midfielder joined from SC Freiburg on deadline day last summer, and endured a difficult maiden year in England.

Alongside fitness issues during the early days of the season, Rohl struggled to really get going, racking up just 677 minutes in the Premier League.

Despite this, the 23-year-old has joined permanently, with the £18million deal activated as a result of the Blues' top-flight survival.

He has turned into somewhat of a fan favourite given his character, with many already desperate to see more of him.

But, he may just face another tough year based on the signals Everton have been giving off.

Why Merlin Rohl could soon become a forgotten figure

As Moyes' side aim to bounce back after their disappointing end to the campaign, the hierarchy are beginning to strengthen the squad.

So far, only Hayden Hackney has arrived, but that signing itself points in a pretty ambitious direction.

Elsewhere, interest in Richard Rios and Pape Gueye has been mentioned, even after the Hackney deal was announced.

Rohl struggled to get into the Toffees midfield last season, and this would only be exacerbated should what seems to be the transfer plan continue.

At the end of the season, the Potsdam-born midfielder would end up on the right flank where he naturally, did not perform at his best level.

This cannot happen again for his personal sake, but the current trend does point in the direction of this being a possibility.

Merlin Rohl may have regrets despite Everton fan love

While his on-pitch impact was minimal last term, Rohl became a popular figure among the fanbase.

As of late, he has expressed his love for both English football and the Everton fans in particular.

However, nobody would blame him for having regrets.

Breaking through at Freiburg as one of the most highly rated youngsters in the Bundesliga, Rohl made the switch in hope of a reset after an injury impacted 2024-25 term, though this did not go as planned.

Instead, he has no guaranteed spot in the side, while the Toffees continue to add more players in his position.

Everton fans would love to see Rohl succeed, but whether that is under Moyes is a completely different question.