Tomas Soucek scores for West Ham
Tomas Soucek scores for West Ham
Everton have made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League, and David Moyes must be delighted with the way his team have responded after a disappointing defeat to Leeds United on the opening day of the term.
David-Moyes-Everton-Grealish
The Scotsman steered the Toffees away from relegation danger last term and is now focused on challenging for a place in the top half of the division, having strengthened well across the summer.
But, with merely hours remaining until the transfer window slams shut, The Friedkin Group appear willing to seal one final signing to ensure Moyes has everything he needs for the term ahead.
Everton in last-minute bid
As per The Times' Paul Joyce, Everton are pushing to sign Merlin Rohl from Freiburg in the Bundesliga, with BBC Sport corroborating the reports and revealing a bid worth £20m is anticipated to get the deal done.
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Merlin Rohl in action for Freiburg.
The 23-year-old has suffered his share of injury problems over the past couple of years, but wouldn't be expected to start every week from the off.
And given that he boasts the athletic profile to succeed in the Premier League and indeed in Moyes' industrious system, it might be worth TFG pushing ahead quickly and wrapping it up.
What Rohl would bring to Everton
Everton don't look like they are going to sign Soucek before this evening's deadline, but in Rohl, they might land not just an alternative but an upgrade on the Czech Republic international.
Merlin Rohl for Germany U21s
Merlin Rohl for Germany U21s
He's featured 60 times for Freiburg since joining from fellow German outfit Ingolstadt, and has built up some healthy experience in the Bundesliga, playing 48 times all told in the top flight.
Injuries stifled Rohl's progress last season, but he showcased some intriguing qualities the year before, and given that he is still in the early stage of his professional career, he might be a far more prudent purchase for the Merseysiders than Soucek.
The West Ham star might be more refined, but Rohl fits the profile Moyes often covets, and he could fashion him into a winner.
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Soucek (24/25) v Rohl (23/24)
Stats (* per game)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Touches*
Pass completion
Big chances created
Key passes*
Dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Duels won*
Stats via Sofascore
The 6 foot 3 German also ranks among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for aerial battles won per 90, as per FBref, which further underscores how Moyes could fashion into his version of Soucek, a superior version.
He doesn't boast the same goalscoring ability as Soucek, for sure, but Rohl has the makings of an attacking gem from the centre, with former Freiburg manager Christian Streich hailing him as a "difference-maker" with a wealth of "dangerous" qualities.
Soucek played a role of great importance when bringing silverware to Moyes' West Ham project in 2023, but he's now 30, and an up-and-comer such as Rohl could prove the right move for Everton.
He bears similar physical properties to the Czech man, and maybe a touch more flair and skill besides. Given the strength in depth at the Hill Dickinson Stadium already after the summer exodus, there's no reason why Rohl couldn't prove a jackpot signing for Moyes.