Everton still just have enough time to complete some deadline day transfer business, and they are closing in on a deal for a “difference-maker” to reinforce their midfield.
Moyes keen on defensive signing for Everton
The Blues have made an impressive start to the season in the Premier League, recovering from their defeat to Leeds United by sealing back-to-back wins at home to Brighton and away to Wolves.
Despite this, Everton manager David Moyes would still like to see new faces added on deadline day, pinpointing a new defender as a priority because of injuries in that area.
“It already has changed a lot of my plans because, obviously, we’re without Jarrad and we have been without Myko for, certainly, the first couple of games. We had this at the end of last season as well, we’ve had it all through the summer.
“It’s not as if we’ve necessarily got it better. We’ve got people back, but others are injured. We’ve just got to make sure that we’re not short again if we can help it – and certainly we were short for the first two games in the Premier League.”
That said, a fresh update suggests that Everton are now looking to snap up a midfielder who can add more quality in the middle of the park this season and beyond.
Everton on verge of "difference-maker" Merlin Rohl signing
The Athletic‘s Patrick Boyland reported on Monday morning: “Everton exploring deadline-day move for Freiburg’s Merlin Rohl. Long-time target but still lot to do to get it over line before 7pm deadline. CM a priority area.”
And Boyland has now revealed the deal is close to completion, with the player already having a medical as a loan with obligation to buy move draws closer. The obligation will be around €20m (£17m).
Rohl is the type of player who could add so much quality to Everton’s midfield, with the 23-year-old statistically similar to former Blues midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, possessing box-to-box energy.
The Freiburg ace has won 25 caps for Germany across four different youth age groups, while his former manager, Christian Streich, has lauded him.
“Merlin’s taking big strides after his injury troubles. He’s got pace, great movement. He can be a real difference-maker, and he completely identifies with the club.”
If Everton do land a deal for Rohl, and potentially also sign a new right-sided defender, it would complete an impressive summer transfer window that has improved as it has gone on.
The likes of Jack Grealish, Tyler Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have added quality and creativity to Everton’s team, and Rohl could do exactly the same.