Everton confirm Merlin Röhl transfer made permanent from Freiburg

Everton have confirmed the permanent transfer of Merlin Röhl from SC Freiburg has been formally activated and processed.

The move had been widely anticipated after the midfielder spent last season on loan at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with David Moyes long expected to trigger the option to make the deal permanent. Freiburg will receive a compensation fee of around €25m, including the cost of the loan.

Röhl made 17 appearances in all competitions for Everton last season, scoring once in a 3-1 defeat to Sunderland in the Premier League. The 24-year-old is capable of playing further forward as well as in his more established midfield role, giving Moyes additional tactical flexibility.

The permanent deal makes Röhl Freiburg’s second most-expensive sale in the club’s history, level with Kevin Schade’s move to Brentford in 2023. Freiburg forward Johan Manzambi, who impressed for Switzerland at the World Cup, is considered likely to break that record before his own situation is resolved, with Newcastle United among the clubs credited with interest.

Röhl’s arrival is formally completed, though he will not need to undergo a fresh medical or agree new terms, having already been on Everton’s books for a full season.

The confirmation follows Everton’s permanent signing of Tyrique George from Chelsea, announced on the same afternoon. Moyes’ side have been active early in the transfer window, with further additions expected before deadline day on September 1.