Journalist: Everton Hold ‘Concrete Interest’ in Move to Sign £20m Bundesliga Midfielder | OneFootball

Merlin Röhl to Everton? Bundesliga Star Linked as Doucouré Exit Looms

Everton’s rebuilding project under David Moyes continues to gather momentum – and now it appears that the club is setting its sights on an ambitious midfield signing in Germany. According to a report from Florian Plettenberg, the Toffees have “concrete interest” in Freiburg’s 22-year-old attacking midfielder, Merlin Röhl.

The German journalist revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that “Everton have indeed expressed concrete interest in Merlin #Röhl and are closely monitoring his situation – as first per Kicker and now confirmed.” He goes on to add that while “a summer move is not being ruled out by any of the parties involved,” Freiburg are demanding upwards of €20m for the young talent, and Röhl would require a “very appealing club and a top offer” to consider leaving.

With Everton now operating under the new ownership of The Friedkin Group, the club finally seems poised to take a more strategic and forward-thinking approach in the transfer market.

Doucouré Uncertainty Driving the Move

The interest in Röhl appears to be directly tied to Abdoulaye Doucouré’s uncertain future. The 32-year-old hero of Everton’s survival in 2022/23 is out of contract this summer, and as TEAMtalk reports, “Everton decided against triggering a one-year extension clause in Doucouré’s contract.” No new negotiations have taken place, which suggests his departure is likely.

Moyes has regularly deployed Doucouré in a No. 10 role, but the need for a younger, long-term successor is evident. Charly Alcaraz was brought in on loan in January and could be signed permanently for €20m if he starts four more games this season, but Röhl’s profile offers a different kind of potential – technical, creative, and still developing.

Röhl’s Promise and the Injury Concern

Röhl’s output this season may not leap off the page – just one assist in 17 Bundesliga appearances – but his underlying talent has drawn attention from across Europe. His dream, according to Plettenberg, is “to move to the Premier League one day.”

However, his injury record could be a sticking point. Having missed 12 games this season with various knocks, it’s fair to question whether Everton would be willing to gamble €20m+ on a player with availability concerns.

Photo: IMAGO

That said, there’s no denying Röhl fits the modern Premier League midfielder mould – mobile, technically gifted, and tactically adaptable. If Moyes and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell see him as a long-term asset, it could be a shrewd move.

Battle on Multiple Fronts for Röhl’s Signature

Competition for Röhl is expected to be stiff. Bild reports that Liverpool, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle United are also weighing up moves for the Freiburg man. Liverpool in particular would appeal to the player’s ambitions, but Everton’s advantage may lie in offering immediate first-team football in a pivotal role.

Whether the Toffees are prepared to pay the €20m+ fee remains to be seen. But given the signals from Florian Plettenberg and the club’s proactivity in January, this is clearly more than speculative.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

“He’s got blue written all over him.” That’s the buzz among Evertonians as talk of Merlin Röhl’s arrival grows louder. If you’re a fan watching the Toffees transition into their shiny new Bramley-Moore home, this kind of link feels different – it feels like a club finally moving with intent.

Röhl might not have huge numbers yet, but he ticks the boxes – young, ambitious, technically sharp, and hungry for the Premier League. The fact that Everton already made enquiries in January shows this isn’t a last-minute panic buy. It’s a Moyes move: pragmatic, calculated, and potentially inspired.

Yes, there’s the injury red flag. But with a proper pre-season and Premier League-level conditioning, he could thrive. And let’s be real – €20m is modest by modern standards for a player with this ceiling.

What really excites fans is the message this sends. Under The Friedkin Group, Everton aren’t just surviving anymore – they’re planning. Building. Daring to compete for the same talents as Liverpool and Newcastle.

We say bring him in. Give him the 10 shirt. Let Röhl roll.