Strasbourg defender Ben Chilwell celebrates for Crystal Palace, with Everton manager David Moyes insert
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Wed 3 September 2025 13:40, UK
Everton attempted to sign Ben Chilwell in the closing hours of the transfer window, as they looked to provide David Moyes with defensive depth.
Merlin Rohl signed for Everton on transfer deadline day, arriving from SC Freiburg on loan with an obligation to buy next summer.
The midfielder marked the Toffees’ ninth signing of the summer, to complete what was a busy window for decision-makers at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton signed Jack Grealish from Manchester City and welcomed a big-money move for Southampton talent Tyler Dibling, in what were their most eye-catching captures of the window.
Moyes was left frustrated, however, with Everton taking a risk by not signing another new defender to add to the Scot’s depth at the back.
Freiburg midfielder Merlin Rohl is linked with Everton.
Credit: Imago
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Everton sent late loan offer for Ben Chilwell
Everton beat Wolves 3-2 on Saturday, 30 August, to continue what has been a strong start to the season for Moyes’ men.
But looking at the squad will still provide some cause for fear, with defensive depth undoubtedly set to be an issue down the line this season.
Jarrad Branthwaite is currently injured after suffering a setback to his recovery from a hamstring problem, whilst Adam Aznou, Vitalii Mykolenko, and Nathan Patterson are returning to fitness following issues of their own.
Seamus Coleman has returned to full fitness, but the defender made just six appearances across all competitions last season and is a constant injury worry.
Just one injury to James Tarkowski, Michael Keane or Jake O’Brien could leave Moyes in a difficult position, although it has now emerged that Everton did try to act.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the Toffees sent a loan offer for Chelsea man Chilwell, but the defender ultimately decided to join Strasbourg instead.
Ben Chilwell would have arrived with issues of his own
Chilwell’s arrival would have eased some of the stresses on Everton’s back line, but there is every chance the defender would have brought more of the same problem, too.
The England international made just 12 appearances across all competitions last season, appearing off the bench several times for Crystal Palace after a January loan.
Ben Chilwell – Season Games missed through injury
2023/24 33
2022/23 20
2021/22 45
According to Transfermarkt
And the season before, Chilwell spent the majority of the season on the medical table with injuries to his knee and hamstring.
Everton have been left in a perilous position, and a fruitless attempt to sign the left-back will not have done much to soften the blow for Moyes.
Hopefully, Angus Kinnear and his team have done enough.
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