‘Unbelievable’ Southampton Star ‘Won’t Be at the Club for Very Long’
Dibling’s youth progression largely came through Southampton, albeit with a short one-year term with Chelsea in between, and it was with the Saints in 2022 where he netted a viral hat-trick of near-identical goals. It wasn’t long before the Exeter-born man announced himself in senior football as well, and in 2023, Dibling made a cameo appearance in the EFL Cup.
Largely left on the bench for most of Southampton’s EFL Championship fixtures last season, Dibling quickly transitioned into a regular starter after his side’s promotion to the Premier League, making his first top-flight start against Manchester United. Since then, the 18-year-old has registered four consecutive starts, most recently against Arsenal, and this performance earned great plaudits from the Scottish football icon, Kris Boyd.
“It’s unbelievable. 18-years-old. I would imagine some of the big ones will be keeping tabs.
“I don’t think he’ll be at Southampton for very long, that’s for sure.”
Among the plethora of clubs potentially keeping tabs on Dibling, Manchester United and Newcastle have been named among those with a keen interest. The former’s transfer chief, Dan Ashworth is particularly keen on bringing Dibling to Old Trafford, and he has reportedly had him on his shortlist for years. Notwithstanding the interest, journalist, Ben Jacobs, insisted that Southampton were “confident” in their player’s “commitment” to the club. However, if the side’s performances are to remain as they are now, Dibling may see his future better spent in pastures new.
Southampton Must Stop Relying on Tyler Dibling
The Saints are yet to register a single victory this season
As impressive as Dibling has been so far, the Saints still remain in the relegation zone, and are yet to register a single win in seven games following their return to the Premier League. Russel Martin faces the tough task of navigating a dreary Southampton side to safety, and the former Swansea boss has raised concerns over his team’s over-reliance on it’s 18-year-old gem.
“Tyler [Dibling] had some really good moments driving through the middle of the pitch, and then it didn’t quite come to anything because he got caught up or whatever.”
“So if we’re pinning all of our hopes on an 18-year-old playing wide-right, then we have bigger issues than I thought.”
Supporters thought they may have been on the cusp of their first three-point haul after Jayson Archer struck first against Arsenal in the 55th minute. However, the Gunners turned the game around with ease, and Southampton saw another opportunity squandered. Next up on the schedule is fellow-promoted side, Leicester City, however, and Martin will be hoping to see his men take this chance better.
