Everton’s disappointing summer transfer window appears to have intensified uncertainty surrounding the Friedkin Group’s future at the club.
After months of speculation, the ownership group announced last week that it was exploring a potential sale, just 22 months after taking control. The search for new investors comes amid growing frustration among supporters over the club’s transfer business.
The proposed departure of Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest proved to be a particularly contentious issue, further fuelling criticism of Everton’s recruitment strategy.
However, one of the group’s final moves in the transfer market was the late signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, a decision that has come under scrutiny following the defender’s difficult start on Merseyside.
Why Maitland-Niles Has Struggled at Right-Back
Everton spent much of the summer searching for a new right-back before turning to former Arsenal player Maitland-Niles in the closing stages of the transfer window.
The 29-year-old arrived from Lyon for a fee believed to be around £5 million, with many supporters initially viewing the deal as a potentially shrewd piece of business.
His late equaliser against Manchester United appeared to justify that optimism, but his subsequent performances have raised questions about his suitability for David Moyes’ starting lineup.
Maitland-Niles endured a particularly difficult afternoon against Hull City, making a costly error that contributed to the opposition finding the net in a match that ended in a draw.
The defender also struggled to contain attacks down his flank, winning no tackles during his 78 minutes on the pitch.
His contribution in possession was equally underwhelming. Despite completing 81% of his passes, he failed to complete a single dribble or cross and created just one chance.
He also lost possession 11 times while winning only half of his duels.
Those statistics reflected a frustrating performance from the former Arsenal man, who received a 3/10 rating, the lowest awarded to any Everton player who started the match.
Following another disappointing display, Moyes has a difficult decision to make over who should occupy the right-back position in the coming weeks.
Maitland-Niles’ struggles have once again exposed Everton’s longstanding problems at right-back, a position that has caused Moyes considerable difficulties over recent seasons.
Several players, including James Garner and Jake O’Brien, have been used in the role, although both are arguably better suited to other positions.
Merlin Röhl could now emerge as a more convincing alternative after returning from an injury that kept him out of Everton’s previous three matches.
The 24-year-old was an unused substitute against Hull following his recovery, but Maitland-Niles’ recent performances have strengthened the argument for handing the German another opportunity.
Röhl, who initially joined on loan before completing a permanent move reportedly worth £17 million last summer, has previously demonstrated that he can operate effectively at right-back.
His statistics this season suggest that he could offer greater quality in possession while also providing the defensive work rate Moyes needs.
The former Freiburg player has completed 86% of his passes and created 0.4 big chances per 90 minutes. Both figures place him ahead of more than 90% of players in his position, according to the statistics cited in the original report.
Röhl has also impressed defensively, averaging 8.6 defensive contributions and 4.7 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.
Those numbers place him among the top 20% of right-backs in the Premier League for the respective defensive measures, highlighting his ability to contribute on both sides of the game.
Moyes Must Reconsider His Right-Back Options
When comparing their performances during the 2026/27 campaign, Röhl has recorded stronger numbers than Maitland-Niles across the key areas highlighted in the report.
While statistics alone cannot determine who should start, the German’s combination of passing ability, chance creation, and defensive contribution makes a compelling case for his inclusion.
Moyes now has an opportunity to address one of Everton’s most persistent selection problems by giving Röhl a sustained run in the starting eleven.
With the Toffees aiming to preserve their unbeaten start to the campaign, selecting the right player could prove crucial to maintaining their momentum.
Maitland-Niles may yet recover his form and justify the decision to bring him to Goodison Park, but his recent displays suggest that he needs time away from the starting lineup.
For now, Röhl looks like a credible alternative who deserves the chance to demonstrate that he can provide the consistency Everton have been missing at right-back.
If Moyes continues to overlook the German despite Maitland-Niles’ struggles, questions could arise over the manager’s selection decisions, particularly when a promising alternative is available within his squad.
