Deal Close: Everton Launch Last-Minute Move for £20m “Dangerous” Star Tipped to Outshine Soucek

Everton are closing in on a late-window swoop for a £20 million-rated midfielder, described as “dangerous” and considered a major upgrade on Tomas Soucek. The player is expected to seal the move imminently.

Deal Close: Everton Launch Last-Minute Move for £20m “Dangerous” Star Tipped to Outshine Soucek

Everton are closing in on a late-window swoop for a £20 million-rated midfielder, described as “dangerous” and considered a major upgrade on Tomas Soucek. The player is expected to seal the move imminently.

Everton Eye Final Transfer as Merlin Rohl Deal Gains Momentum

Everton have secured back-to-back Premier League wins, and manager David Moyes will no doubt be pleased with how his side has bounced back after a disappointing opening-day defeat to Leeds United.

Following a successful effort last season to steer the club clear of relegation, Moyes is now setting his sights higher—targeting a finish in the top half of the table, aided by a productive summer transfer window.

Now, with just hours remaining before the transfer window closes, The Friedkin Group appears eager to back Moyes with one final signing to complete the squad.

Everton Launch Late Move for Rohl

According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Everton are making a late push to sign Merlin Rohl from Bundesliga side Freiburg. BBC Sport has also confirmed the interest, reporting that a £20 million bid is expected to secure the 23-year-old midfielder.

Rohl has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, but the plan would not be for him to become an immediate starter. Instead, he’s viewed as a player who can be gradually integrated into Moyes’ hard-working system—one that values athleticism and tactical discipline.

Rohl: A Smart Alternative to Soucek

While Everton seem unlikely to complete a deal for Tomas Soucek before the window shuts, Rohl could represent not only an alternative but potentially an upgrade on the West Ham midfielder.

Since joining Freiburg from Ingolstadt, Rohl has made 60 appearances, including 48 Bundesliga games, offering valuable top-flight experience despite his injury setbacks.

His performances prior to last season highlighted his potential, and at just 23, he represents a more long-term investment than Soucek, who is now 30.

The Ideal Moyes Midfielder?

Standing at 6ft 3in, Rohl is dominant in the air—ranking in the top 9% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for aerial duels won per 90 minutes, according to FBref.

His physical presence and work rate make him a natural fit for Moyes’ high-energy style, and there’s a sense that the Everton boss could mould him into a refined version of Soucek.

Although Rohl doesn’t yet have the same goal-scoring numbers, his potential as an attacking force from midfield is clear.

Former Freiburg manager Christian Streich once described him as a “difference-maker” with “dangerous” attributes—high praise that hints at what he could bring to Merseyside.

Given the depth Everton have built over the summer at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Rohl wouldn’t be under pressure to deliver immediately—but he could grow into a vital piece of the project.

Conclusion:
While Soucek was instrumental in Moyes’ West Ham success in 2023, Rohl could be the next big midfield talent to emerge under the Scottish manager. With just hours left in the window, this could be Everton’s smartest signing yet.