What Everton supporters can expect from Tyler Dibling | OneFootball

After several weeks of offers and counteroffers, Everton have completed the signing of Tyler Dibling.

​The English right winger joins from Southampton on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, reportedly in the range of £42M. So what should Everton supporters expect from the 19-year-old set to don Number 20 for the Toffees?

​A product of the Southampton academy, notable in recent years for developing players like Gareth Bale, Dibling transferred to the Chelsea academy in 2022. However, he returned to Southampton later that season after getting homesick.

He made his competitive debut for the Saints in 2023, at the age of 17, and went on to appear 44 times for the club, enjoying a breakout campaign last year.

​Dibling played in several positions on the right side for Southampton, most often as a right winger playing in a three behind a single striker. He also appeared as a right-sided central midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation, as a right-wing back, and as a right-sided striker in a front two.

​It’s difficult to judge players like Dibling on their productivity. His two goals and no assists in 33 Premier League appearances last year might seem lacklustre, but he was a bright spark in a side that was pretty terrible.

​Other stats shine a better light on why he’s so highly rated. Dibling loves to take players on with the ball at his feet, averaging 5.29 attempted take-ons per 90, roughly the same as Iliman Ndiaye, with a slightly lower completion rate.

​Watching him play is reminiscent of a young Jack Grealish. He’s adept at keeping the ball close to his feet and shifting his weight to bait defenders, often drawing a foul if he doesn’t get past them.

​Last campaign, Dibling drew 50 fouls for Southampton; Everton’s most fouled player, Ndiaye, drew 52. In two of his better performances of the season, against Manchester United and Liverpool, Dibling won penalties for his side, as the opposing full-backs struggled to deal with his close control when driving into the box.

​He’s not a winger who hugs the touchline. Predominantly left-footed, he likes cutting in to play, slicing through balls to the striker, or making space on his left for a shot.

​When the ball is on the opposite side of the pitch, he gets himself into the box. All his goals for Southampton last season were short-range efforts from a cross or pass into his feet in the penalty area. The best of the bunch was his goal against Ipswich Town, a brilliant first touch taking him past the defender and leaving just the keeper to beat.

​He’s a nonchalant player; don’t expect to see him darting around the pitch, but he’s very positionally aware, making use of open space, and keeping an eye on where defenders are positioned around him. ​That confidence and ability to demand the ball and make something happen at just 19 years old is why he’s so well-regarded amongst analysts and scouts.

​It’s a decent price tag, and takes Everton’s summer spending to £124M. But there’s little downside; he’s already proven he can make an impact against top-level opposition, and his age adds significant resale value.

​The next question is where we will see him in the team? Likely off the bench at first after a strong performance from the front four at the weekend. But in the future, a combination of Grealish, Ndiaye, and Dibling, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Idrissa Gueye behind, would be a scary sight for Premier League defences.

Reader Comments (118)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()

Jamie Clancy 2 Posted 26/08/2025 at 09:16:57

Oh these are exciting times aren't they!?!? Long time since any of us have said that. I fancy us for a top half finish and a push for europe.

Ray Jacques 3 Posted 26/08/2025 at 09:40:59

They say a week is a long time in politics. Well, a week is an eternity as an Evertonian. This time last week, I was fed up, depressed and hated all things Everton after the pathetic showing at Leeds.

Fast-forward and it is a 180-degree turnaround in emotions.Welcome to Goodison (sorry Bramley-Moore Dock), Tyler.

Now for a decent right-back and a cheeky bid for Hoijlund at Man Utd.

Ernie Baywood 4 Posted 26/08/2025 at 10:05:52

Nonchalant is a good description, but from what I've seen, that doesn't mean he's not defensively aware.

As we saw from Grealish at the weekend, you don't need to be throwing yourself into challenges to contribute. Putting your foot on the ball and holding off the winger can be far more effective.

My big example of that was always Tommy Gravesen. He got rave reviews for his efforts... but the only reason he sometimes chased people down was because he couldn't be arsed tracking his man.

Tony Cunningham 5 Posted 26/08/2025 at 10:13:10

So why only a 4-year contract? Is there an option of an extra year or maybe a way to keep his wages down by a promise of a new contract after 2 years to a higher deal?

Otherwise, surely 5 years would make more sense to the club for both PSR purposes and knowing we have him for longer.

Jake FitzGerald 6 Posted 26/08/2025 at 10:19:57

So, £124M spent. Be interesting to see if we break the rumoured £150M kitty limit in the next few days.

Buy a right-back and loan a couple seems most likely.

Dave Abrahams 7 Posted 26/08/2025 at 10:24:13

Ernie (4), very true.

Watch Ndiaye with his defensive work, no mad rush in but watching his opponent and not giving any ground but manipulating him to pass the ball or go backwards.

And he can tackle with both feet as well — we've got a very good player there; don't let him get away.

Jamie Clancy 8 Posted 26/08/2025 at 10:45:09

Apparantley it's £109M we've spent, not £124M, according to The Athletic.

I'd trust anything they say over Sky Sports...

Robert Tressell 9 Posted 26/08/2025 at 11:09:08

Transfermarkt has it all itemised as €127.75M which converts to £110.32M.

If the unsubstantiated talk of £150M spend is true then we've got a bit more kitty left (although that might be eroded by loan fees and wages).

Maybe one more low-cost or sub-£20M signing left, but I suspect TFG might now look to see what they can squeeze out of the loan market for the remaining targets.

Interesting to see what happens with Patterson, Chermiti and Armstrong.

Hopefully no sale of McNeil to raise money. He's exactly the right quality and versatility you want from the bench or to cover injuries, loss of form etc.

Annika Herbert 11 Posted 26/08/2025 at 11:22:33

At a time when we are trying to build a squad, McNeil should be kept. His versatility may well be useful over the course a the season.

It's not like we have great numbers right now so why sell for the sake of selling? Maybe next season after a further transfer window.

Edward Rogers 12 Posted 26/08/2025 at 11:24:36

According to BBC Dibbling is possibly "over-hyped". Is it because he's come to us?

If any of the so-called Big 6 had signed him, it'd be the bargain of the century wouldn't it?

Peter Moore 13 Posted 26/08/2025 at 11:29:18

To my eye, McNeil usually takes a few games to get into match fitness and form. When at his best, he is both fast and has tremendous stamina too.

Allied to this, an excellent, highly skilled footballer whose abilities are top level. I hope he gets 90 minutes in midweek to sharpen fitness and form.

Liam Mogan 14 Posted 26/08/2025 at 11:30:54

We need a squad, not just an eleven.

There will be injuries, suspensions, AfCon etc.

Mike Doyle 15 Posted 26/08/2025 at 11:33:47

Edward (12).

Of course it would.

Robert Tressell 16 Posted 26/08/2025 at 11:35:27

Edward #12, spot on.

We've bought a young player of genuine talent.

Ryan Holroyd 17 Posted 26/08/2025 at 11:35:33

Keep McNeil, as others have said. A good option to have.

We need a squad – not just 11 players.

Jake FitzGerald 18 Posted 26/08/2025 at 11:37:41

Edward #12,

That BBC article asks if he “is a bargain or overhyped?” with a subheading of “Are Tyler Dibling and Everton the perfect match?”

And then states the obvious– that he has huge potential. Not a particularly enlightening article but it's not a hatchet job at all – it's actually positive.

Ian Bennett 19 Posted 26/08/2025 at 11:55:44

Keeping McNeil is fine, but it depends what you could bring in return. The same with sanctioning a loan for Patterson.

If the only way to bring in a good defensive midfielder, striker or specialist right-back was agreeing to let McNeil go, then of course you'd consider it if it improves the overall squad.

Finite resource looking for maximum impact. I'd think it was pretty weird that Moyes isn't looking at his squad players and working out if trading them out or holding is best for the club.

We can't let players walk for free anymore and still have a lopsided squad.

Lee Courtliff 20 Posted 26/08/2025 at 11:59:33

McNeil will prove to be a very important player this season, just like he has been ever since we signed him.

We need competition, we need depth and we're bound to get injuries, suspensions, etc, so it's vital that we keep Dwight involved.

He's been a massive player for us during our recent struggles and was badly missed last season when out injured. I do believe he has the quality to contribute to a team that sets its sights higher than merely surviving.

Mark Murphy 21 Posted 26/08/2025 at 12:06:08

I hope Dwight rams my words down my throat – that other Brighton game was a joy to watch thanks in no small measure to him.

What I mean is, we need upgrades on him now. Yes, until we get them in the squad, don't offload him yet, but I could say the same about Seamus, Patterson, Keane and Beto.

We need better quality than we accepted last season. On that point, I wish with all my heart that Seamus was 5 years younger.

David Hallwood 22 Posted 26/08/2025 at 12:09:29

Great signing and would you Adam 'n' Eve it peeps, a player who's comfortable on the right!

Agree with most of the posts, in an era of 5 subs, it's a first XVI not a best X1, so a right-back, a No 6, and an experienced striker, and that would be a 9/10 window and certainly the best since the Lukaku window.

I don't believe in sentimentality when it comes to football, but I'd love to see Richarlison back in blue. Amazingly, even though he's started both games and is on fire, they still want him out of the club. I watched both Spurs games and his movement and intelligence off and on the ball were top-notch.

Andrew Ellams 23 Posted 26/08/2025 at 12:18:07

You hit the nail on the head there, Mark.

Every transfer window going forward now has to be about improving on what we have and not just getting enough bodies in to keep us moving.

Julian Wait 24 Posted 26/08/2025 at 12:43:28

We've seen Garner at left-back, but once we have those players fit, surely he's a good shout at right-back, where we've already seen him do well?

It's where he played when he won something at age group level with England (U21?).

Annika Herbert 25 Posted 26/08/2025 at 13:04:11

Garner is not a long term option at right-back in my opinion. He can do a job there in emergencies but never looks completely comfortable.

We need at least one bona fide right-back, along with an up-and-coming defensive midfielder to cover for Gueye.

Robert Tressell 26 Posted 26/08/2025 at 13:13:32

I agree Annika. Garner can be decent RB cover but if we use him there - we lose the only midfielder who is reasonably good at sitting and holding the midfield. Surely not much to expect that a club with European pretensions buys / loans a specialist RB?

Eric Myles 27 Posted 26/08/2025 at 13:25:10

This ain't going to be popular but...

A Saints supporting mate of mine reckons he's not worth even £4 million!

Andrew Ellams 28 Posted 26/08/2025 at 13:29:43

Sounds like sour grapes Eric.

Dave Richman 29 Posted 26/08/2025 at 13:33:43

Peter Moore @13

Dwight McNeil might well be a lot of things, but fast? Just no, mate. His pace is akin to his ability with his right foot.

Raymond Fox 30 Posted 26/08/2025 at 13:37:19

Exactly Andrew, we need to give the lad some time and not expect him to be fantastic from the off.

Steve Brown 31 Posted 26/08/2025 at 13:42:03

The issue is the balance of the squad, not the numbers.

Ideally we need 2 players in each position. Grealish and Ndiaye play on the left; I think they will be selected before Dwight. Dibling is actually left-footed so could also do a job there.

Currently, we have one right winger and no real decent right backs. We also need another striker, as Beto looks unable to lead the line this season and Barry will benefit from time to develop. I would also like a defensive midfielder.

It’s just a question of priorities and the size of the transfer budget. If firm offers came in for Beto and McNeil, I think the club would consider the bids.

Stan Grace 32 Posted 26/08/2025 at 13:44:35

Eric #27, I think your mate's football knowledge could be questioned if he believes that.

Eric Myles 33 Posted 26/08/2025 at 13:59:10

Well Stan he's been a successful amateur player for some years in the past so knows more about playing than me.

I just hope he's wrong at that price, but if the lad's so good surely he would have had some interest from other teams?

Mark Taylor 34 Posted 26/08/2025 at 14:16:32

I think it is a big mistake not to get a LB, as well as a RB. Once we have the latter, we have OK back up in O'Brien, even Garner (with due respect, Seamus is now a 'break glass in emergency' option). At LB, we have no-one, as I'm not counting Garner (that was a 'break glass' option) and it seems like Moyes has already decided Aznou is nowhere near ready for the first team.

We're still linked with Ake who I think would be ideal because he also covers LCB and can even operate as a DM and is Grealish quality. Him, along with a first choice RB with some pace and attacking capability would be enough in this window. Striker might be a weakness but the market for those is beyond us this window, all we would be able to afford is 'promise' and I think we have that already in Barry and maybe eventually Chermiti.

That squad would be good enough for comfortable mid table. Progress beyond that will need to wait while the revenues (hopefully) build.

James Newcombe 35 Posted 26/08/2025 at 14:30:01

I've mentioned this before Eric, but I remember seeing a couple of Sheffield United fans on Twitter who were convinced they'd mugged us off for DCL at £1.5m. All about different opinions! That said, the market is completely daft now. I wonder how long before it all collapses.

Stan Grace 36 Posted 26/08/2025 at 14:40:14

Eric #33,I respect the ability of anyone who has made a career out of football, whether that be at professional or amateur level. However, as many great players who did not succeed at coaching/managing confirm, such playing experience doesn't necessarily lead to them being better observers of others' abilities.

Christy Ring 37 Posted 26/08/2025 at 14:48:56

Eric#33 I don't know if it's you or your mate who doesn't rate the player.Could we not sell Beto for around £25m, and bring in Hojlund for £30m? The good thing about Patterson going to Seville means we definitely need to bring in a right back, Garner played there under Dyche, but showed he's not a full back, and has more freedom in midfield, a new defensive midfielder is essential. You need a balanced squad and to have two players for each position in the team.

Andrew Ellams 38 Posted 26/08/2025 at 14:54:04

Christy, I think Hojlund is off to Napoli (do they buy more players than Chelsea) and I doubt Patterson will go anywhere until we've recruited at least one replacement.

Eric Myles 39 Posted 26/08/2025 at 14:58:59

Christy, it's my Saints mate who's actually watched him, I haven't so have no perception of his ability or potential.

James £1.50 million is a lot less of a mistake than £40.0 million!! Especially for a PSR suspect club.

Liam Mogan 40 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:00:19

Whether to listen to others opinions of players is an interesting discussion.

However, most are variations on 'he's crap', 'he's rubbish', 'he's great', 'he's brilliant' etc. There's rarely any decent critical analysis.

I was impressed with Thierry Henry's look at Thierno Barry last night. He highlighted a couple of things that most of us miss (such as his run across the defender for the first goal that opened up space for Ndiaye).

Footballers spend 99% of the time without the ball. What they do off it is massively important. A lot of that is missed when fans say 'he's shit, him'.

Tony Abrahams 41 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:00:32

I think a lot of the players who make a successful amateur career, are usually the players who never quite had enough natural ability and have had to rely on working as hard as possible to succeed?

I might be wrong, because there will obviously be exceptions to this opinion, but my own view is that these people, prefer hard workers to skilful footballers, (without looking to find fault, I definitely prefer the players who can do both!) because they never appear to be busting a gut, when they’re making the game look so easy!

Andrew Ellams 42 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:07:13

I see West Ham have approached Forest over the availability of Ibrahim Sangare.

Not a bad signing but would also be off to AFCON mid season.

Peter Moore 43 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:11:18

The proof of the pudding is in the eating.What he is now and what he is growing into in terms of reaching his potential, remains to be seen. It is up to him to apply himself fully and not be distracted off course, be lucky with injuries and have the support on and off the pitch that he will need. May Tyler Dibling be a key ingredient in a successful Everton side.Personally, I am very pleased that TFG have put their hand in their pocket for this very exciting talent.I have a feeling he is a Kevin De Bruyne type player. He took time to flourish. May Dibling flourish with us and grace Hill Dicko for more than a decade, lifting trophies in Royal Blue in the years to come.

Neil Thomas 44 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:14:04

I would be interested in us knocking on Man Utd’s door, and inquiring about a loan for Kobbie Mainoo.

Neil Thomas 45 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:23:34

Get in Hector Fort from Barcelona, Mainoo on loan from Man Utd, Ake from City, and Vardy on a one year deal. Would be happy with that.

Andrew Ellams 46 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:30:13

Vardy is nearly 39 and Beto had a better record last season. Why are so many people so desperate to get him in?

Jay Harris 47 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:31:20

I know its early days but I just don't rate Barry at all.

He may do ok without the ball but his heading is atrocious, he rarely wins 50/50s and he does not have a lot of f pace.

I would like to see how Braiden Graham does against Mansfield if he is selected.

I the meantime we are crying out for full backs. I watched the kid at Norwich (Kellen Fisher ) in a couple of games recently and he was very impressive but he's not the only option. Maitland-Niles would be a good squad addition on a free.Ben Chilwell would be another squad option.

Bobby Mallon 48 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:40:29

Jay @47. Are you serious. He's played 1 game, was involved in both goals held the ball up well and he was in position for those headers. Seriously your writing him off after 1 game, God help us.

Steve Brown 49 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:41:56

Thierry Henry likes Barry, based on what he said on Sky Sports.

Ian Bennett 50 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:51:33

I think on Barry you can say there's areas of his game to improve on. Thierry Henry put a nice bit together on the positive bits.

The were parts where his timing was off when conpetiting for punts up top, or when the ball didnt stick. All areas to work on for him, and how to play him in. He had a good chance from a corner that he took too quickly.

Hopefully more progressive passing will eliminate the hopeful punt upfield also.

Andrew Ellams 51 Posted 26/08/2025 at 15:56:43

Some of the best players in the game have struggled to get up to speed in the Premier League from day 1. Particularly attacking players.

Jonathan Oppenheimer 52 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:00:35

On the topic of writing off players far too soon, I'm baffled by the shouts of Moyes not rating Aznou. The kid is 19, got thrown into a pre-season match barely off the plane, then gets a niggle in practice, and because Moyes doesn't start him in a huge match opening the new stadium with all the pressure in the world, he's now shit.

Garner is not the answer at either fullback position, but I'm sure glad he started there on Sunday. And probably again on the weekend if Mykolenko is still injured. Aznou is no Dibling, no proven Premier League player with a huge price tag. He'll need several months at least, some cup matches, and comfort in a new set-up and country before we should expect him to look the part in a Premier League match.

Jake FitzGerald 53 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:04:11

“He knows where the back of the net is”, apparently, Andrew. No, me neither.

Andrew Ellams 54 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:07:50

And Jake I don't see them bringing him here because of his Mrs and the club's connections to the Rooney family.

Liam Mogan 55 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:08:47

Judging an Everton CF over the past 5 years has been almost impossible.

How do you judge any striker who for 90% of the time is being asked to jump for 60 yard hoofs with snow on? Or being asked to control perfectly, balls which are aimed at his shoulder? With no other players within 20 yards? Or play 4 or 5 games and hardly get a sniff of a chance?

Do any of the top strikers get asked to do this? No. Imagine just booting the ball in the air all day at Haaland. It's about time we started judging players on their ability to link up play on the deck, make penetrating runs and, ultimately create enough chances so that they can get in enough rhythm to take them.

Less booting it for flick ons, more building up play and creating pls. Ask Jack Grealish, he'll tell you how to do it.

Stale Haverstadlokken 56 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:23:30

He is only 19. It's up Moyes and his staff to improve his play so he can get into the England squad and be a key player at Everton.

We have had so many young players that either have been injured or never made it. Hopefully he will stand out to be the one.

Paul Kossoff 57 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:42:33

Ian 44.

"I would be interested in us knocking on Man Utd's door, and inquiring about a loan for Kobbie Mainoo."

I would be interested in Everton telling them to fuck off if Man Utd offered him to us. He's another over-hyped, does-nothing, over-rated, make-up-the-numbers player.

If you would have him, then you'll be after Philips next, God help us.

Jake FitzGerald 58 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:43:29

Even after scoring on his debut, I've read plenty of people calling Gyokeres a “Sunday league-level” player, and not just Spurs fans. Tough audience. And wrong with it.

Barry doesn't do shooting from range, he gets into good positions in and out of the box and will run, tap, or head it in. He'll get that service from our new Holy Trinity.

Liam Mogan 59 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:43:40

I can't understand anyone writing off Aznou. I don't think the manager has just because he didn't pick him on Sunday

The kid was in Barca academy, was headhunted by Bayern (who didn't want him to leave), has played for both Spain and Morocco at youth levels and has 3 caps for the full Morocco team (who are no mugs)

He has an outstanding pedigree. I don't know whether he's going to be a success or not, but a 19 year old left footed player with that background for £9m? What more do people want?

Mike Gaynes 60 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:45:42

Mark 34, there's zero evidence that Moyes has decided Aznou isn't ready.

Jay 47, Barry doesn't have a lot of pace? Are you sure you were watching the right game?

Rob Halligan 61 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:45:44

Liam, I believe Aznou was injured on Sunday, so that’s why he wasn’t in the Matchday squad.

Liam Mogan 62 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:47:45

Kobee Mainoo is an exceptionally talented footballer, who would thrive in the right team.

A 20-year-old who has scored the winner in a cup final and also appeared in the final of the Euros? No brainer.

Liam Mogan 63 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:49:12

Sorry Rob, yes, you're correct - but he was on the bench until he got injured in the warm-up? So he wasn't picked in first XI initially by Moyes.

Robert Tressell 64 Posted 26/08/2025 at 16:57:11

You cheer me up Paul Kossof! I think Mainoo is a cracking player. Very high technical ability etc and the sort of player I would love to see come through our academy. But maybe you are right! You were right about Kalvin Phillips (a deadline day loan option?)

As for Barry, he is a good player. Young and needs time to develop. He's not got the natural ability of an Etikite or Isak (hence the low fee of £27m) but he's got all the physical attributes and if we handle him right then we might have a really good player on our hands. Judge him in 18 months or more. In the meantime he's learning

Mike Gaynes 65 Posted 26/08/2025 at 17:00:21

Jake, just be prepared for Barry to miss a lot of those chances. He has not yet matured as a finisher.

Blasted a fair number of them into Row Z last season. Patience will be required.

Phil (Kelsall) Roberts 66 Posted 26/08/2025 at 17:01:32

I worried about Aznou. It was his mistake that led to the Roma goal. His head dropped and nobody went over to him to say "don't worry".

And the plan I am sure was to bring him on after 70 minutes but he had been on for 65 before the goal so no surprise he was taken off – he was probably knackered and feeling very sorry for himself.

Give him (and David Moyes) time. It does come down to who is going to play tomorrow.

Travers, Coleman?; Alcaraz,, McNeil, Armstrong, Dibling (?) Chermiti, Beto and so which of the back 4 will also play on Saturday - or will it be Welch, Campbell, Dixon, Onyango, Heath, Graham?

Amazed we are that short of replacements at the back (Aznou, Patterson, Branthwaite, Mykolenko all injured).

Andrew Ellams 67 Posted 26/08/2025 at 17:34:22

None of the youngsters will start tomorrow, Phil, with the possible exception of Armstrong.

My Bet is:

TraversColemanAznou (if fit)O'BrienKeaneGarnerIroegbunamArmstrongAlcarazMcNeilBarry

James Marshall 68 Posted 26/08/2025 at 17:36:48

Options, that's what Dibling gives us. So too Grealish, Ndiaye and KDH. Add to that Barry who looks to have excellent link-play about him - he reminded me a bit of Teddy Sheringham at times the way he was able to lay the ball off and make himself available.

Much better link-play than we see from Beto, who got on when we were 2 up and Brighton pushed forward leaving space for him to run in behind.

Dibling though can give us options which is exactly what we need - we've been so one-dimensional for years, it's about time we had the ability to create more and score more goals.

When we get Mykolenko and Branthwaite back things will look much better for us. I feel pretty excited about this season for the first time in many years.

Robert Tressell 69 Posted 26/08/2025 at 17:47:28

Jake # 58,

Gyokeres is a really good example of a player who took time. Let go by Brighton after a few lower league loans. Developed at Coventry but one of a few players hitting goals at Championship level, many of whom haven't kicked on. At Sporting he explodes into form. Still a lot to prove at Premier League level though.

Barry has obviously had to reach Everton the hard way after coming through French lower leagues and a modest club in Belgium before showing potential in the Swiss league. At Villarreal he shows he's capable at a higher standard. But none of this is easy.

Jamie Crowley 70 Posted 26/08/2025 at 17:55:41

I love signing young, promising players. There's 'always' sell-on value, it's good business.

But jeez this is a lot to pay for a young one. Like, a lot.

I hope this works out. I'd prefer us to be signing kids from foreign leagues with bags of upside for 1/5th the price.

Good luck Master Dibling. We'll be watching.

Robert Tressell 71 Posted 26/08/2025 at 18:13:00

Jamie # 70, Dibling cost just a touch under £35m. That is just not a lot of money in today's market.

1/5th of that is £7m.

You can barely buy an Aznou for that (ie a much more speculative teenage prospect).

You will struggle to buy anyone who is capable of first team Premier League football straight away - from any source - for less than £20m (unless free transfers).

There will be a few - like Stach at Leeds. But even Sunderland are shopping more in the £20m to £30m band in places like France and Belgium.

The market has really shifted in just a few years.

Andrew Ellams 73 Posted 26/08/2025 at 18:23:19

Robert I think many Evertonians have become used to shopping in the bargain basement that even middle of the road transfer fees seem to be out of this world.

Raymond Fox 74 Posted 26/08/2025 at 18:45:44

Andrew @ 73, I'm 80 in two months, everything seems too expensive, not just footballers.

When Trevor Francis was sold for £1M, everyone thought it was bonkers, look at it now.

It would have been better for Dibbling if the fee was half as much, because that's the danger, if he doesn't dazzle from the start some idiots will be calling him rubbish etc.

James Marshall 75 Posted 26/08/2025 at 18:56:25

Here's a list of the top 8 most expensive teenagers of all time in world football.

Kylian Mbappe - £154 million

Joao Felix - £108 million

Matthijs De Ligt - £72 million

Romeo Lavia - £53 million

Leny Yoro - £52 million

Anthony Martial - £51 million

Tyler Dibling - £40 million

Vinicius Junior - £38 million

Estevao at Chelsea could end up being about £54m I think but his deal is also £21m in add-ons.

Puts some perspective on it. Basically it is a lot for a teenager, but the transfer market has changed a lot since a lot of those deals above.

Colin Glassar 76 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:06:35

I’ve just got home from hospital (eye op) have we bought/loaned anyone today? I’ve been slightly blind to the news.

Jamie 70, how much do young basketball, baseball, NFL players cost? They sign multi-million dollar contracts straight out of college, high school in some cases.

This is peanuts in todays market.

Robert Tressell 77 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:18:38

I think that's it Andrew # 73.

It's telling that the likes of Brentford and Bournemouth have had to spend £35m (+) to sign the likes of Diakhite and Ouattara. These two are replacing excellent players bought much, much more cheaply - but so many clubs are plundering the likes of Belgium, France etc that it's shifted supply and demand in the selling clubs' favour. And you've also got the likes of Strasbourg and Union Gilloise as feeder clubs for Chelsea and Brighton. Strasbourg can command decent fees now as a result.

Post takeover we can rightly expect to have more financial clout than Brentford I hope. And whilst we're not at the financial level of, say, Spurs – we should hope we're spending money on the likes of Kudus within a few years (at the same time as hunting out value in the Championship and overseas etc).

Andrew Ellams 79 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:24:09

Folk should just celebrate that we're not cobbling together £2M to bring in Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend but instead we have landed one of the most promising youngsters the country has seen for a while.

Lee Courtliff 80 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:28:55

I would happily have kept Demarai Gray, tbh.

Ian Bennett 81 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:34:50

Bissouma off to Turkey, so you can cross him off the list.

Lindeloff linked on a free.

Ryan Holroyd 82 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:35:33

Number 47

‘I know it's early days but I just don't rate Barry at all.'

God, I hate some of our fanbase.

Ray Robinson 83 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:41:51

What, if anything has appeared in people's wallet for the Mansfield game?

I have email confirmation of my ticket but nothing has downloaded into my Google wallet. In fact the Brighton match is still showing in the season ticket in the wallet.

Andrew Ellams 84 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:41:58

I think he's a liability, Ian, so not so much of a loss.

Ryan Holroyd 85 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:42:51

Another example

‘I just hope he's wrong at that price, but if the lad's so good surely he would have had some interest from other teams?'

He did have interest from other teams

By this ‘logic' Leicester should not have signed Kante!! I mean no one was in for him at the time apart from Leicester.

Football fans are dickheads when it comes to players leaving their club.

Jamie Crowley 86 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:43:49

Robert -

Point taken, and taken well.

My wife and I left Friday for DC and returned last night for a wedding. Coming from a low-cost-of-living area, I about had a heart attack at the prices of eating out up there. Plus I'm getting old...

I will adjust my soccer economics. 😉

Colin Glassar, same applies. 👍🏻

Rob Halligan 87 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:49:50

Ray # 83…….I'm the same, but I’ve been reliably informed that the tickets are being amended depending on what stand you are in. The process is continuing as we speak and should be amended before the night is out. 🤞🤞🤞

Colin Glassar 88 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:49:58

Robert 78, Dibling was nailed on a few days ago. I meant today. Soucek is another probable — but still no right-back!!

The Patterson to Sevilla is mental!

Derek Knox 89 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:51:19

Ray @ 83, you should have received an email from the Club, acknowledging your purchase of the Ticket. Which, will include a link to Google Wallet.

Not an expert in this, but I don't think it is automatic, each time I have bought a Ticket the same format (email) above has been used to download to Google Wallet.

Hope that helps!

Rob Halligan 90 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:53:33

Derek, I think Ray, like me has a season ticket, which shows the next upcoming match. Mine, like Ray, still shows the Brighton game, and this should automatically change to Mansfield town.

Derek Knox 91 Posted 26/08/2025 at 19:58:43

Thanks Rob, not being a S T Holder any longer I was under the impression you still had to purchase a Ticket in your Seat for Cup matches !

Ray Robinson 92 Posted 26/08/2025 at 20:04:52

Thanks, Derek and Rob.

I have a season ticket in my wallet that updated before Sunday's game to show the Brighton game. I have since had an email confirming my purchase of tickets for the Mansfield game but the wallet hasn't updated. Nor was there anything to download in the confirmation email for tomorrow's game. The wallet is till showing Brighton!

I'm confused!

Rob Halligan 93 Posted 26/08/2025 at 20:08:32

Ray, there shouldn’t be anything to download into your wallet. Your ticket should automatically amend to show Mansfield Town.

John Chambers 94 Posted 26/08/2025 at 20:09:54

Re Ray's question, interestingly my season ticket is now showing in my expired passes in my iPhone wallet!

The last couple of seasons, I'm pretty sure I just had a single season ticket — not a ticket per match.

Ray Robinson 95 Posted 26/08/2025 at 20:13:50

Rob, that would be logical. But it hasn’t happened. I hope that I don’t have a long queue at the Ticket Office to sort it out!

Liam Mogan 96 Posted 26/08/2025 at 20:36:06

John 94 - mine did that last year. It kept going into expired passes and I kept having to reinstate it.

If you have a ST and have bought a cup ticket, your digital tickets should update. However, last season mine only did so on the day of the game (not before)

Billy Bradshaw 97 Posted 26/08/2025 at 20:41:19

Ray @ 95, I'll be in the queue with you, my ticket still showing Brighton.

Andy Meighan 98 Posted 26/08/2025 at 20:51:21

Barry had a decent game Sunday. Give him at least 15 games to get up to speed and, given the service, he will thrive.

That said, it's all about opinions. I'm no lover of Garner but he's been great the last 2 games, playing out of position, up against a real pace merchant and handled him really well.

Christy Ring 99 Posted 26/08/2025 at 20:53:23

Colin #76 I hope everything went well for you.

I don't think Soucek would be a good option, we need another No 6 badly. I mentioned it a while ago as well, a cheeky loan offer for Mainoo, who looked really good for England and Man Utd before Almiron took over.

I think he's a No 6, can't believe he says he plays in the same position as Fernandes?

Chris Leyland 100 Posted 26/08/2025 at 21:00:34

Anyone with a season ticket that isn't updated to a Mansfield then try the following:

This is for an iPhone and worked for me.

Click on your Apple wallet and open your season ticket.Then click on the I symbol Toggle automatic updates on and off and back onClose the wallet Re-open it and it should update

Also try clicking on I symbol then scroll down the page and it tells you what the next fixture on the season ticket is.

Paul Myers 101 Posted 26/08/2025 at 21:34:24

Thanks Chris that worked for me.

Neil Copeland 102 Posted 26/08/2025 at 21:52:08

Chris and Paul, I tried that thanks and it updated but doesn’t show an actual fixture it simply displays a - (hyphen)

Robert Tressell 103 Posted 26/08/2025 at 22:11:37

Jamie # 86, prices generally seem to constantly shock me in real life. In football transfers inflation seems to be astronomical. It's not a nice thing unfortunately how money has hijacked football but it's only going one way.

Bill Watson 104 Posted 26/08/2025 at 22:54:27

I was emailed last week to say my Auto Cup ticket has been uploaded to my season ticket QR code. Those not in the Auto Cup scheme will have their tickets uploaded separately, before the game.

If that doesn't happen there's going to be an issue because if you can't get through the dock wall gate then you're unable to get to the box office to sort it.

John Chambers 105 Posted 27/08/2025 at 00:04:15

Cheers Chris that tip seems to have done the business

Don Alexander 106 Posted 27/08/2025 at 00:44:46

On this and many other threads down the years there seems to be a sentiment that "the market" defines what's realistic for all of us, in everyday life too - without question.

"The Market" is corrupt, reliably controlled by a very few folk/organisations with mega-wealth who overwhelm democracies and "ordinary" people to ensure their own vast wealth grows even more. It's called oligarchy and it's been alive and growing in the West many decades before the likes of Usmanov pillaged his own people.

Football is just one of its worst, but openly perceivable, manifestations.

That said, I hope young Tyler cares not a jot about such issues as he helps propel us to, can I even imagine, a trophy win!

Kevin Molloy 107 Posted 27/08/2025 at 00:50:35

Don yes indeed, they've always been in charge, this left/right thing is just toffee they give us to chew on.

ditto footy.

Dale Self 108 Posted 27/08/2025 at 00:52:55

I am no longer qualified to properly opine about markets and inflation but let's remember the worldwide event of a few years ago and the stimulus policies pursued by every central banker. Avoiding a depression, this phase of adjustment was always in the cards. It isn't corruption, it is an inevitable price paid in order to avoid the worst case scenario.

Dale Self 109 Posted 27/08/2025 at 01:09:39

I hope the Dibling arrival gives the squad a chance to reset perspectives. Alright, Everton has been a bit shit at times, but here we are delivering a young talent the platform to launch his career and become legendary. Although some players may feel hard done by in the last few seasons, maybe this gives them a view to our better side.

Hopefully, Tyler is as affable as Jack and some real camaraderie develops around this opportunity. Perhaps the kid can help some others reset some views of the market for footballers and Everton as a home for them. If he does well, keeps his head down and does the job, a lot of pain could heal in a hurry.

Tak of him being a future no. 10 and captain has me very optimistic about Everton becoming a good place and a good bet for players looking for a reliable club. We could undo many lingering bad narratives if this goes well. I have a good feeling it will.

Paddy Boyland of The Athletic on how the Dibling transfer was negotiated (apparently very well) and completed:

How Everton’s patience finally paid off in Tyler Dibling saga

For the second time in less than two weeks, a new Everton signing stood on the Hill Dickinson Stadium touchline. Socks rolled down, in his new club colours, his name adorned the big screens and LED lights around the £800million arena’s perimeter.

The aim has been for new signings, and those around them, to feel immediately valued and part of the family, while highlighting the grandeur of the new waterfront facility in which they will be aiming to make their mark.

A fortnight ago, Everton welcomed Jack Grealish this way before his season-long loan move from Manchester City. On Monday, they did the same before announcing Tyler Dibling’s move from Southampton.

Things had moved quickly — at a pace that had taken even some Everton officials by surprise. Dibling had only been given permission to travel to Merseyside for a medical over the weekend, which he undertook on Monday before heading to the new stadium to pose for photos with club media and complete the move. By the evening, he was officially an Everton player. Rarely are the final stages of transfer processes quite this smooth or brisk.

The addition of the 19-year-old, who joins for an initial £35m ($47.2m) plus add-ons, brings an end to the long summer search for a new right-winger and a transfer saga that twisted and turned at regular junctures.

“There is a price for every player,” Southampton CEO Phil Parsons told a fans forum as recently as August 7, in response to a question about Dibling. “We are not a club that’s going to roll over and just accept a bid because they feel like they want him on the cheap. If you want a player, bid for them and bid well.”

At that stage, the clubs had reached an impasse in negotiations. Everton had made three bids for Dibling, their last £32m plus bonuses, but Southampton were playing hardball. The Championship club’s counter-offer valued the teenager comfortably in excess of £50m and contained a hefty sell-on clause.

Everton had originally envisaged paying somewhere around £35m and there was enough distance between the respective valuations for them to walk away from talks and inform Southampton of their intention to pursue other targets.

Negotiations paused for around three weeks, during which time Everton looked at alternatives. They asked Leicester City about Abdul Fatawu, but the valuation was considered prohibitive. Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson was also considered before he moved to Nottingham Forest.

That turn of events was in keeping with the club’s protracted and initially problematic search for a new right-winger. Considered a priority position by manager David Moyes, Everton had missed out on top target Francisco Conceicao to Juventus. PSV’s Johan Bakayoko was high on their list but opted for Germany’s RB Leipzig, while Lyon’s Malick Fofana informed them of his desire to join a Champions League side. He remains a Lyon player for now.

For those reasons and more, speculation over Dibling’s future continued. As Everton continued to be heavily linked even after talks ended, the suspicion on Merseyside was that they were being used to alert the market, or that Southampton needed a sale.

They had several factors in their favour. The first was that Dibling had made it abundantly clear that he was open to the move, having been enticed by the prospect of a quick return to the Premier League and Everton’s project. As a result, he had spent a period training away from the Southampton squad and missed their Championship opener against Wrexham.

The second, and equally as significant, was that he had just two years left to run on his deal. The logic followed that Southampton could not really afford to risk missing out on a big fee for a player keen to move elsewhere, especially with his contract ticking down.

So it proved. The decisive movement came not from Everton, but the Championship club last Friday. They indicated their willingness to negotiate a package of around £40m, comprised of an initial £35m fee and a further £5m in bonuses, which was much closer to Everton’s initial valuation. The up-front fee is higher than the Merseyside club’s third offer, with the add-ons remaining the same. The sell-on amount is lower.

The bonuses are performance-based and relate to Dibling’s success and that of the team in general. While neither party has been willing to disclose the exact nature of the sell-on clause, The Athletic has been told, by sources who wished to remain anonymous to protect relationships, that it is not as high as the 20 per cent figure reported in some quarters.

Some of those close to talks always suspected that Southampton’s desire for a hefty sell-on clause, irrespective of profit, was as problematic as their near £50m valuation. Others felt the Championship club were always budgeting for a sale at around £40m and that a deal remained possible. Likely, even.

Regardless, this became a game of who blinked first. Interested parties believed at the start of the summer that Dibling was valued closer to £70m.

Negotiations between the player’s camp and Everton were handled by the club’s head of trading, Nick Hammond, while CEO Angus Kinnear agreed the deal with Southampton. Monday’s 7.30pm announcement came slightly earlier than expected due to how quickly the deal was concluded and with Everton looking to continue the sense of momentum after Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in their first Premier League game at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton see the teenager’s immediate future on the right wing. Despite the notable additions of midfielders Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, they have lacked genuine right-sided options since the summer departures of loanees Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom. Although left-footed, the hope is that Dibling can add pace, dynamism and another ball-carrying threat from that flank.

“Dibling ranked in the 2024-25 Premier League top 20 players for attempted take-ons (110) and successful dribbles per 90 minutes (2.15) in his first campaign in England’s top-flight,” Everton noted in their press release confirming the move.

There is a feeling, based on their scouting intel, that he could develop into a central player, capable of operating as a No 8 or No 10, in time.

The move to Merseyside was seen as a logical next step for Dibling, an England Under-21 international, after his breakthrough season at Premier League level.

While exciting, he remains a work in progress. Across 33 top-flight appearances in 2024-25, comprising 20 starts, he registered just two goals and zero assists. His expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA) totals were 2.5 and 1.5 respectively, showing a slight underperformance versus those underlying metrics.

Nurturing his end product will take time and patience, with Moyes describing him as a “talented young English player with lots of potential” who will be supported in his “future development”.

Other Premier League clubs tracked Dibling’s progress, but some were deterred by what they saw as a dip in performances once Russell Martin had been replaced in the Southampton dugout by Ivan Juric. The sense was that Dibling responds better to an arm-around-the-shoulder type of management and needs to be nurtured.

Born in the city of Exeter in England’s south-west, a 2022 move from boyhood club Southampton to Chelsea did not work out. Within two months, and after just two appearances for Chelsea’s under-18 side, Dibling was back at St Mary’s. It remains to be seen how he deals with moving north and the weight of expectation that comes with his significant price tag.

Harnessed correctly, though, Dibling is a precocious talent possessing pace, fearlessness and, even at 19, the raw strength to hold off seasoned professionals.

In an interview with The Rest is Football, former manager Martin called him the “most talented (player) I’ve ever seen or worked with”.

“Tyler has every capability to go and play for England for a very long time because he’s powerful, really quick and can shoot with both feet,” Martin, now the Rangers manager, added. “He has something I’ve not seen in a British player for a very long time, being able to take the ball in the middle of the park, swivel and go.”

It may take time, but Everton have a potential gem on their hands, one who could eventually be worthy of having his name up in lights on a regular basis.

Colin Glassar 112 Posted 27/08/2025 at 02:12:24

Thanks for that, Mike. I hope you aren’t breaking any copyright laws publishing that.

According to some TW experts, Dibling is slow. But everything I’ve seen, heard and read of him disputes that claim.

Give the lad a chance. Let him prove himself. He’s got the international break to bed himself in.

Derek Knox 114 Posted 27/08/2025 at 06:24:58

Bill, The Workers have nothing to lose, but their Chains !

Long gone are the chains, unless we are talking Gold Chains, and only Premiership Footballers can afford them. The Green Eyed Monster/Golden Calf is unfortunately part and parcel of the game we love.

Hoping for a win tonight, some banana skins have already been employed, W/Ham, Leeds, Sunderland and Bournemouth although the latter was a Premiership clash. Hat's off to Brentford having lost so many players, doing well in League and Cup.

Goes to show, big money buys are not always the solution.

Si Pulford 116 Posted 27/08/2025 at 07:19:32

Colin the people saying Dibling is slow are off the mark. He’s a strange one in that he looks slow. Like waddle or le tissier. But eats up the ground with the ball at his feet and is actually a fast player. And he’s strong enough that people bounce off him. May take time but I think we have a player with potential that I haven’t seen for years.

Colin Glassar 117 Posted 27/08/2025 at 07:30:22

Agreed, Si. From what I’ve seen of him excites me. A few Saints fans on Twitter says he’s their best academy players since Bale. And that’s saying something as their academy has produced some great players,

Jake FitzGerald 118 Posted 27/08/2025 at 08:39:24

The fact that he so wanted to come to us is hugely encouraging. We might even turn into an attractive club for young players to join if we’re not careful. Bonuses include nights out with Jack.