Everton have completed the signing of midfielder Merlin Röhl from Bundesliga club SC Freiburg on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy in the summer of 2026.
An energetic and athletic Germany Under-21 international, 6ft 3in Röhl can play a number of central-midfield roles.
The 23-year-old becomes the Blues’ ninth addition of the summer transfer window after the permanent signings of Charly Alcaraz, Thierno Barry, Mark Travers, Adam Aznou, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tom King and Tyler Dibling, along with loanee Jack Grealish.
Röhl told evertontv: “I’m really excited and full of joy to sign for Everton. It’s a big club, with great history and great fans.
“It’s the right time for me to join Everton. It feels like a shifting point for the Club. The future looks really good and I’m excited to be part of it.
“I’ve watched the evolution of the Club closely. With the manager and stadium, there are a lot of positives.
“I just love to play football and can’t wait to play in front of such passionate fans in such a great stadium.”
Röhl was born and raised in Potsdam, Germany, and began his professional career with FC Ingolstadt 04, making his breakthrough season for the senior squad in 2020/21 having progressed through the club’s academy.
In August 2022, he signed with SC Freiburg and quickly became a key part of the team, earning plaudits for his contributions both defensively and with crucial goals in attack, as well as his work ethic and adaptability – even deputising at left-back amidst an injury crisis.
Having represented his nation from Under-18 level, Röhl became a regular for Germany Under-21s, scoring three goals in 13 appearances. That included featuring in this summer’s European Championship where he faced a France side with new Everton teammate Barry in the semi-final.
Then, in the final, Röhl thundered a shot off the crossbar in the last minute of extra-time as Antonio Di Salvo’s side lost out 3-2 to England.
Röhl added: “The Everton fans are passionate and demand hard work and that’s what I like as it matches what I can bring.
“I see myself as a box-to-midfielder and I feel I can bring my qualities to this team after having discussions with the manager.
“I think versatility is a strength of mine and the style of my game will suit the Premier League.”
On his deadline-day arrival, Everton boss Moyes said: “We’re really pleased to bring Merlin to Everton.
“He’s a Germany Under-21 international who will add different qualities to our existing midfield options.
“He’s an exciting prospect who we’ve followed at the Club for some time, and we’re all looking forward to working with him as we continue to build a squad and team at Everton.”
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