As September dawns on Transfer Deadline Day, there is still a conviction that Everton will continue to bring additional players in to strengthen specific areas of David Moyes’s squad.
The manager at one point said he needed 9 or 10 new players to both make up for the swath of departures at the end of last season and to enable him to improve the squad, particularly in attack, where it has been shockingly poor in recent seasons.
That portion of the remit appears to have been fulfilled in spades, with Everton’s forward play improved beyond all recognition by the addition of two world class footballers in Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The ceaseless clamour for the club to make a statement signing at right-back continues unabated, with Jake O’Brien shouldering the responsibility of this important position as far as defensive cover is concerned, but obviously lacking in his valiant attempts to support the attack, notwithstanding some excellent gaols scored last season.
There is also talk of needing to strengthen defence amid the continuing absence of Jarrad Barnthwaite, who is a massive miss in the back four, as evidenced by two glaringly simple goals given up far too easily at Molineux on Saturday. But talk of Tomas Soucek coming in as a talent who Moyes knows and trusts seems to fall well short of filling the huge gap created by Branthwaite’s absence.
Mixed reports about right back Kellen Fisher
Transfer journalist Alan Myers has reported Everton’s interest in Norwich City right back Kellen Fisher. However, reports of any contact between the two clubs have been denied by Connor Southwell, who writes about Norwich City for The Pink Un.
Harrison Armstrong set to leave on loan
The arrival of Merlin Rohl is expected to seal Harrison Armstrong’s departure. John Percy of The Telegraph reports, among other sources, that Armstrong is set to join Preston North End on loan.
“Armstrong is highly regarded by Everton after coming through their academy and the move is seen as another positive step forward in his career,” the report stated.
“Preston have secured the England Under-18 international’s capture ahead of a string of Championship rivals.”
Armstrong, who recently registered two assists in the Carabao Cup game against Mansfield Town, spent the second half of last season on loan at Derby County.
The loan move to Preston for Harrison Armstrong was confirmed an hour after the closure of the transfer window.
Everton sign Merlin Rohl on Deadline Day
Röhl out the red carpet for Everton’s ninth signing of the summer as a deal for the 23-year-old German midfielder is reportedly wrapped up, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany.
“Full agreement has been reached with Freiburg. It’s a loan with an obligation to buy set at €25 million. Medical is taking place now,” Plettenberg tweeted.
Everton were looking to complete the signing of Merlin Rohl from SC Freiburg, according to Patrick Boyland of The Athletic.
Paul Joyce of The Times reports that the two clubs are discussing a loan with an obligation to buy and the deal could cost a total of €20m.
Sky Sports Germany’s Marlon Irlbacher reports that the player has already said goodbye to his club teammates and is currently undergoing medical with the Blues.
Having had approaches rejected for West Ham’s Tomas Soucek recently, the Toffees turned their attention towards the 23-year-old German midfielder they’ve kept tabs on for the last 12 months and also tried to sign in January.
A 6′-4″ box-to-box midfielder, Rohl’s composure on the ball, line-breaking passes and physical prowess while winning duels stand out. He featured for Germany at this summer’s U21 European Championships.
He made 20 appearances for Freiburg across all competitions last season after spending nearly three months on the sidelines with a ligament tear and heel issues.
Röhl out the red carpet for Everton’s ninth signing of the summer as a deal for the 23-year-old German midfielder is reportedly wrapped up, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany.
“Full agreement has been reached with Freiburg. It’s a loan with an obligation to buy set at €25 million. Medical is taking place now,” Plettenberg tweeted.
The deal was finally confirmed more than an hour after the closure of the transfer window.
Youssef Chermiti off to Rangers
Patrick Boyland of The Athletic also mentions that Youssef Chermiti was expected to complete his move to Rangers today.
“The deal for the 21-year-old striker comprises an initial fee of around £8million, plus £2m in add-ons. The package also includes a significant sell-on clause based on the profit Rangers make on any future transfer,” the report added.
Everton had signed Chermiti from Sporting CP in 2023 for a reported fee of £14 million, including add-ons. He has had an injury-ridden spell at Merseyside and has struggled for game time.
Chermiti has made 24 appearances for the Blues without scoring a single goal.
The permanent transfer of Chermiti was confirmed after the closure of the transfer window.
Other departures
A temporary move out on loan has been agreed for Tyler Onyango, who was named by David Moyes on the bench for all four senior games in league and cup so far this season, but he has not seen even a minute of playing time. He has agreed a season-long loan at Stockport County in League Two.
While the departure of Everton U21 winger Issac Heath on a season-long loan to Accrington Stanley has been confirmed by the club.
The Premier League transfer window closes on Monday, 1 September at 7 pm; we will endeavour to stay abreast of any developments as they happen, with the Live Forum also open for discussion and reaction.