Everton manager David Moyes and Abdoulaye Doucoure
Credit: Imago
Jack Dawson
Mon 1 September 2025 8:35, UK
Everton lost Abdoulaye Doucoure earlier this summer as the midfielder departed Merseyside at the end of his contract.
The midfielder had been at the Toffees since 2020 and was a crucial player during his five-year stay.
However, David Moyes is yet to replace the 32-year-old, despite mere hours remaining in the transfer window.
As a result, Everton are said to be keen to sign a midfielder before the deadline at 7pm, with plenty of players on the shortlist.
Everton
Credit: Imago
Everton eye deal for Merlin Rohl
With Everton now unlikely to sign Tomas Soucek, Moyes has been forced to move onto other targets.
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Now, reports emerged on Sunday that Everton were interested in signing Merlin Rohl.
The midfielder has been at Freiburg since 2022, and is believed to have plenty of potential.
Everton are yet to sign a replacement for Doucoure
The Toffees have made an approach for Rohl
Rohl is a German Under 21 international and scored the winner past Italy in the European Championship quarter-finals in the summer
The Toffees have reportedly made an approach to the 23-year-old’s representatives, and a medical could take place on Monday if an agreement is reached.
Now, by comparing the midfielder to Doucoure via Fotmob on 1 September, it is evident to see that the German youngster is an improvement on the former Everton star.
Stats from the 2024/25 season based on league performance per 90 mins Merlin Rohl Abdoulaye Doucoure
Expected assists 0.10 0.05
Passing accuracy 78% 82.7%
Chances created 0.84 0.98
Crossing accuracy 41.7% 4.3%
Successful dribbles 1.12 0.84
Tackles won 0.93 0.98
Duels won 5.68 3.74
Aerial duels won 1.58 1.05
Recoveries 4.57 5.24
Possession won in the final third 1.12 0.94
Dribbled past 0.19 1.01
Rohl beats Doucoure in the majority of stats
Rohl has multiple better defensive stats, and has even impressed in attack.
On top of this, given the age of Rohl, he could yet improve further and be in the Toffees’ starting XI for the foreseeable future.
What has been said about Merlin Rohl?
Rohl has received heavy praise during his time in the Bundesliga.
The 23-year-old’s talent is clear to see, with coaches believing that the midfielder will go far.
Talking to Tonsser on 22 March 2021, the former FC Ingolstadt manager said: “He is a ready-made midfielder, who can work in both directions. His carefree attitude and youthful verve are good for us.”
Hopefully, if a deal is made, Everton can harness this potential and ensure that Rohl becomes one of the best players in the Premier League in the coming years.
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