Everton Football Club has finalized a loan agreement for midfielder Merlin Rohl from SC Freiburg. The 23-year-old German becomes the Toffees' ninth signing of the summer transfer window.

Rohl's move to Goodison Park is structured as an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer. Everton will pay an initial £1.7 million for the loan. The agreement includes a mandatory purchase clause of £19 million. Other reports indicate the obligation to buy could reach €25 million.

Merlin Rohl expressed his excitement about joining Everton, citing the club's history, fans, and promising future as key factors in his decision. He stated that it felt like the right time to join the club and that he is eager to play in front of Everton's passionate supporters.

Rohl is a versatile player who can play in a number of central midfield roles. He is known for his energy, athleticism and box-to-box style. Before joining Freiburg, Rohl progressed through the academy at FC Ingolstadt 04, where he made his breakthrough into the senior squad. He signed with SC Freiburg in August 2022 and quickly became a key part of the team.

Internationally, Rohl has represented Germany at various youth levels, including the U-21 team. He has 25 caps for Germany across four different youth age groups. He featured in the European Championship and faced a France side with new Everton teammate Thierno Barry in the semi-final.

The arrival of Rohl may lead to other player movements within Everton. Harrison Armstrong is reportedly set to join Preston North End on loan. Tyler Onyango has agreed to a season-long loan at Stockport County, while Issac Heath has joined Accrington Stanley on loan for the season.

Everton manager David Moyes has been keen to bolster his squad, particularly in midfield and defense. The additions of Jack Grealish, Tyler Dibling, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have already strengthened the team's creativity and attacking options. The potential signing of a right-sided defender is also being considered.