Merlin Rohl could be set for immediate Everton exit as £21.5m deal eyed
Merlin Rohl will sign for Everton permanently this summer, with his initial loan deal from SC Freiburg including an £18million obligation to buy.
But the German could then be set to instantly leave, with the Toffees reportedly considering a move for AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana.
Rohl arrived at Everton on transfer deadline day last summer and spent most of his first six months at the club on the injury table.
Upon his return in December, however, the 23-year-old returned to the team and began to impress in the Premier League.
But Everton transfer chiefs may now have to look at exit solutions for him this summer, after he appeared in just two of the last 12 league fixtures.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBEverton consider Youssouf Fofana bid
Football Insider exclusively revealed last week that Everton are targeting a move for John McGinn, with David Moyes keen to strengthen in central midfield.
James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye have been in superb form this season, but the latter will be 37 in September.
| Youssouf Fofana | Stats – Serie A 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 29 |
| Goals / Assists | 2 / 3 |
| Chances created | 33 |
| Tackles | 38 |
| Recoveries | 79 |
| Duels won | 75 |
Tim Iroegbunam and Harrison Armstrong are younger options and seen as part of the Toffees’ future midfield, rather than now.
But Rohl may well find himself outside of both camps this summer. According to Daniele Longo of Calcio Mercato, Everton are among the clubs eyeing a move for Fofana this summer.
The 27-year-old had made 32 appearances across all competitions for AC Milan this season, but has struggled to adapt to the style of Massimiliano Allegri.
The Serie A giants would reportedly accept a bid worth over £21.5million this summer, with Aston Villa and Tottenham having already made contact for the France international.
Merlin Rohl at Everton crossroads
While Moyes has publicly reiterated his belief that Rohl will eventually be a regular for Everton, the German cannot wait forever.
The Scot’s reluctance to even give him cameos in 10 of the Toffees’ previous 12 Premier League matches is a big red flag.
When Rohl has featured, he has been impressive. The 23-year-old played throughout as Everton beat Villa in January, and he was superb.
But that was the last time the midfielder started in the Premier League, and he now faces a crucial decision ahead of the summer.
Risk staying at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and the likes of Fofana could arrive and only further limit his opportunities.
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