Newcastle interested in signing Merlin Röhl - Report
Not for the first time in recent weeks, Newcastle United have been linked with a potential summer move for Merlin Röhl.
According to the latest edition of Sport BILD, Newcastle are one of four Premier League clubs eyeing the versatile midfielder who plays for Bundesliga side SC Freiburg.
Alongside Newcastle, Everton, Liverpool and Crystal Palace are also thought to be interested, with David Moyes' Toffees previously launching two unsuccessful bids in January.
Who is Merlin Röhl?
Röhl is a German Under-21 international and is currently starring at the Under-21 European Championships after a strong season with Freiburg.
The 23-year-old scored in Germany's 3-2 win over Italy to set up a semi-final clash with France at 8pm tonight, shortly after Tino Livramento's England take on the Netherlands in the other semi.
He stands at 6’3” and has shown his versatility across the recent 2024/25 season, playing in a number of positions.
Primarily utilised as a No. 10, Röhl is a powerful runner who has also operated as a central midfielder, down both flanks and even as a second striker, offering the sort of versatility Eddie Howe often loves.
Howe wants versatility
Discussing the value of versatile player just last month, Howe said: "It’s that balance of the squad and also having adaptable players that can play different positions.
“They (versatile players) are so important because one player then can cover three positions, and that’s so important.
“Maybe we need to look at certain areas of the squad, of course, with the players that we’ve lost through the last few transfer windows and just try to get that balance right going into next year.”
At this point, the arrival of another midfielder may be low down our list of priorities, with a right winger, forward, centre-back and goalkeeper all needed, but this is a position we'll surely look to strengthen should Sean Longstaff and/or Joe Willock depart this summer.
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