How Southampton FC could spend a £100m Tyler Dibling cash windfall in the Championship | OneFootball

Four players Southampton could spend the £100m Tyler Dibling transfer fee on in the Championship.

Southampton's status as a Championship club was confirmed on Sunday, following a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The Saints notched up just 10 points in 31 games, which relegated them with seven matches remaining.

As things stand, last season's Championship play-off winners are set to break Derby County's record of the lowest points tally in Premier League history. After a thoroughly miserable campaign, you get the feeling some supporters will be grateful for the sweet release of relegation.

Things aren't all doom and gloom though, as young winger Tyler Dibling emerged as a beacon of hope for the future in the tough times for the Hampshire outfit. Interest from higher clubs has seen Southampton set his valuation at £100m, as they're keen to retain their star man in the second tier.

Whilst this price may seem astronomical, it isn't out of the realm of possibility for someone to swoop in and give the Saints what they're asking for. With that in mind, we identified four players the club could purchase with the money they'd receive for Dibling, should he depart.

Julen Agirrezabala

Goalkeeper - Athletic Club Bilbao

Following months of rumblings regarding the future of current number one goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, it looks like his future isn't at St Mary's following confirmation of Southampton's relegation to the second tier.

The ex-Arsenal shot-stopper reportedly has a £25m release clause in his contract, which has sparked the interest of Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth.

Saints will need a new number one, and they should look no further than Athletic Club's backup, Julen Agirrezabala. The 24-year-old has played 14 La Liga matches thus far this season, conceding just nine goals and racking up an impressive 76.5% save rate.

According to his most recent estimated market value, Agirrezabala is worth around £13m, so he could set the Saints back between £15m-£20m, depending on whether Bilbao are happy to sell.

Richard Kone

Striker - Wycombe Wanderers

Benji Walker (@benjiwalkerphoto)

There will be no shortage of interest in Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone this summer, as the Chairboys faced a battle to retain him in the January window, reportedly rejecting a bid worth up to £7m from Luton Town.

Southampton are in desperate need of a prolific goalscorer, as top scorer Paul Onuachu has just four goals to his name so far this season. The 21-year-old Ivorian is the joint-highest goalscorer in League One, and has been catching the eye of everyone in English football.

Wycombe will be keen to retain Kone, regardless of what division they're in next term. With Luton's hefty offer being rejected, Southampton could be looking at around £10m to get the striker out of Buckinghamshire.

Oliver Antman

Right-winger - Go Ahead Eagles

It goes without saying that the Saints will seek a direct replacement for Dibling should he depart the club in the summer. One player they've already been linked with is Finland international Oliver Antman.

The 23-year-old has been a livewire for Go Ahead Eagles this campaign, racking up 20 goal contributions in 27 Eredivisie appearances. Again, Southampton have lacked someone with that creative spark. Matheus Fernandes has just three assists to his name, which is dwarfed by Antman's 14.

Described as 'on par with Kylian Mbappé,' it seems like a no-brainer for the Hampshire outfit to get this one done.

The youngster is estimated to earn just £4,000 per week at his current club, and based off estimated market values, could cost Southampton under £10m.

Christopher Wooh

Centre-back - Stade Rennais

Despite having the excellent Taylor Harwood-Bellis on their books, Saints will surely be looking to shore up that defensive line heading back into the Championship.

One player they should consider looking at is Cameroon international defender Christopher Wooh, who's been in and out of the side at Stade Rennais this season. A real aerial presence and still plenty of room to grow at just 23 years old, the young defender could be a strong addition to Southampton's defensive unit.

Wooh joined his current club in 2022 for £8.5m, but was linked with a move to Leeds United in January after falling down the pecking order. He had a £6m price tag on his head earlier in the year, which could be similar this summer. This would be a serious bargain for the Saints.