Southampton’s valuation of Tyler Dibling too steep for Everton | OneFootball

Southampton have made a counter-offer to Everton over a possible deal for Tyler Dibling that might prove too steep for the club.

“Following the latest Everton bid that was worth in the region of £40million, Southampton came back with a proposal of £45m plus £5m in easily achievable bonuses and a 25 per cent sell-on clause,” reports David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Southampton’s valuation of Dibling is a lot higher than what Everton are ready to pay for the 19-year-old. As a result, they will be moving on to other targets to strengthen the right flank and the Saints have been informed of the same.

Dibling broke through in the Premier League last season and scored two goals in 33 appearances before the Saints got relegated.

Reader Comments (101)

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Hector Blaukugel 1 Posted 05/08/2025 at 14:03:54

I like the look of this lad & he has all the flicks n tricks of a top player, but after one top-flight season & 3 goals can only really be classed as a prospect. I know a few soton fans who bemoaned his inability to track back & get stuck in & mentioned he can be lazy. Soton are trying to rinse us here for that quoted price & sell-on. He obviously wants a premier league move & will be on his way, can imagine Spurs jumping in to replace Madison, or some random mad bid from the likes of Forest.

Gavin Johnson 2 Posted 05/08/2025 at 14:07:44

Saints asking for a 25% sell-on clause on an already hefty fee is ridiculous. Time to walk away and revisit a deal for Kubo.

Terry Hughes 3 Posted 05/08/2025 at 14:16:20

Walk away blues he’s decent that’s about it. Not 45mill decent.

Frank Crewe 4 Posted 05/08/2025 at 14:19:47

We appear to have reached the end of the road with this deal. They obviously don't want to part with him anymore than we would want to part with Branthwaite. So they just keep putting road blocks in the way. I see no point in continuing to pursue him, especially with the new season so close. For the kind of money Southampton want I'm sure we could get a proven player rather than a future prospect. The club has to make a stand and show we won't be getting out pants pulled down anymore. Because nobody is telling me a 19 yo Dibling is worth twice as much as a 26 yo England international Dewsbury-Hall.

Pat Kelly 5 Posted 05/08/2025 at 14:22:07

We're not that desperate to let Southampton mug us. Let's see if anyone else will offer more than we did.

Meanwhile, Dibling will be pissed off.

Raymond Fox 6 Posted 05/08/2025 at 14:48:27

Too expensive.

Brian Harrison 7 Posted 05/08/2025 at 14:53:42

Southampton's counter-offer is bordering on the ridiculous! Maybe if they were still in the Premier League, they could placate Dibling, but with only Championship football to look forward to, he won't be happy they have turned this offer down.

While he has potential to be a very good player given time, to ask for £45M + £5M in add-ons which, according to the press, look guaranteed, and then to ask for 25% of any future sales would make any team walk away.

Just imagine us doing this deal they have come back with… so in effect we would be paying them £50M and if we sold him for £80M they would get another £20M so they would get £70M clear profit and we would get £10M if we sold him for £80M.

Josh Horne 8 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:04:33

I assume it would be 25% of any profit.

That would still mean that Everton would have to sell him for £100M before they make as much out of the player as Southampton have, despite shouldering the risk that he will develop into a player who could command such a staggering fee.

Stewart Lowe 9 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:04:49

I'd definitely go to £50M with everything included, but only if the 25% sell-on expires after his initial 4-5 year contract and not indefinitely!

Also, Everton are not the same as the Moshiri - Kenwright years (thank god). They must really like what they see enough to spend a chunk like that on him.

If Everton can afford that despite needing funds to buy other players, who are we to worry? Let's just hope we get Dibling and enjoy the show.

Steve Brown 10 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:13:36

The demand for a £25M sell-on clause needs to be dropped by Soouthampton, otherwise this deal is dead.

Jay Harris 11 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:24:34

The deal is dead unless Southampton get real.

Much sooner spend £20M on Fofana, if he will come, and/or £40M on Grealish.

There are plenty of fish in the sea. Dibling is not the only show in town and, with just 2 goals last season, is more about potential than immediate impact.

There is Doak, Fellows and others who are much better value for money than being held to ransom by Southampton.

Ray Jacques 12 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:28:15

If they keep at it, Dibling will come as we have Premier League football.

Anyone take a punt on Højlund from Man Utd for £0M?

Ray Jacques 13 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:29:32

Forgot to mention, Southampton won't go easy on us after the way we poached Koeman.

Iain Love 14 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:29:49

Just seen Spurs are looking at Elliot for £40M.

Steve Morgan 15 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:36:48

Just to clarify about the sell-on fee percentage. It's a percentage of the profit, not the entire fee.

If we manage to make a profit on a player in 3 years time, then we've managed to achieve something we seldom do. I wouldn't be worried about giving some of it up as it would mean the transfer was a success and long may it continue.

James Marshall 16 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:38:12

Brian @7,

My understanding of sell-on clauses is that the previous club gets 25% of any profit we make on him — not 25% of the total figure.

So, if we buy him for £40M and sell him for £50M, they would get 25% of the £10M we make — not the entire £50M. They would get £2.5M.

Ian Bennett 17 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:55:29

£50M plus a sell-on for a 19-year-old unproven prospect is just crazy.

Doue went to PSG for £40M, Kvaratskhelia for £60M. He's nowhere near that bracket of player.

Derek Knox 18 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:57:10

Ray, yes, I would (punt on Højlund), but it isn't down to any of us.

Pity about Tyler Dibling, but if the player genuinely wants to come to us, it may happen at a more realistic fee.

It always puzzles me why the Transfer Window is open for so long, when most of the deals are left to the last dying embers — that is all clubs, not just us!

Sean Kelly 19 Posted 05/08/2025 at 16:01:47

Move on, too expensive. If he is that good, why aren't the Sky 6 in for him?

The cheeky cunts also want 25% of sell-on. Tell them to fuck off, there's probably someone else that can do his job, is proven and cheaper. Try South America – there has to be someone there.

Jack Convery 20 Posted 05/08/2025 at 16:37:15

So Southampton want £50M plus £5M in add-ons and 25% of any sell-on fee.

We buy for £50M, achieve markers and pay the extra £5M. Dibling becomes the second coming of Pele & Cruyff rolled into one. Real Madrid, being Real Madrid, come along in summer of 2027 and offer £120M.

Of that £120M, we get £48.75M in profit. Southampton get £16.25M. Southampton with the £55M we paid and the £16.25M sell-on money, achieve £71.25M. Tell them to fuck off!

ps: I am right? My brain hurts. I hate percentages!!

pps: Le Tissier hates us, probably egging them on to screw us til it hurts.

Rob Halligan 22 Posted 05/08/2025 at 17:37:05

Jack, you're right this time.

Your last post was way out!!

Rob Halligan 23 Posted 05/08/2025 at 17:39:42

Ray,

For £0M, it's definitely worth a punt!!

Andrew Ellams 24 Posted 05/08/2025 at 17:53:28

Jay @ 11,

I believe the amount agreed with Lyon for Fofana was closer to £40M than £20M.

Derek Knox 25 Posted 05/08/2025 at 17:59:16

Ray @ 13,

"Forgot to mention Southampton won't go easy on us after the way we poached Koeman".

Wish we had boiled or fried the prick!

Ryan Holroyd 26 Posted 05/08/2025 at 18:21:44

‘Much sooner spend £20M on Fofana, if he will come, and/or £40M on Grealish'

You'd rather spend £40M on a 29-year-old who is on £300k a week?!?!?

The mind boggles!!!

Jay Harris 27 Posted 05/08/2025 at 18:24:43

Andrew,

I heard they were initially asking for €40M and since dropped it to €30M but I may be wrong. Just getting it from media posts.

Bobby Mallon 28 Posted 05/08/2025 at 18:27:34

Just go and get Tom Fellows.

He's just as good as a winger.

Rob Halligan 29 Posted 05/08/2025 at 18:28:46

Rumours that Dibling is now asking for a move, and also not turned up for training.

Don't know how this would impact the asking price, but clearly Southampton now have an unhappy player on their books so may now need to re-consider their valuation and the absurd 25% sell-on fee.

Ryan Holroyd 30 Posted 05/08/2025 at 18:45:52

Tom Fellows doesn’t have the ability of Dibling, nowhere near the same ability and potential

Paul Hewitt 31 Posted 05/08/2025 at 18:51:01

If we pay the money Southampton want for Dibling, then every other club we deal with will try to mug us off.

Robert Tressell 32 Posted 05/08/2025 at 20:29:53

Lyon seem to expect about £35M for Malick Fofana — which seems broadly fair too. There is no way they will sell him for £20M.

£20M is a very small fee now.

Mick O'Malley 33 Posted 05/08/2025 at 20:50:29

Ian @17, I couldn't agree more.

Sean @19, I've often wondered why we've never really explored or signed players from South America… also Africa. A lot of the French teams snap up the young African lads and, to be fair, quite a lot of them end up at big clubs around Europe.

Wouldn't it be great to get in first for a change.

Gavin Johnson 34 Posted 05/08/2025 at 21:12:22

The gut reaction is tell Saints to do one and walk away. However, having thought about it, I think we should get back to them and maybe offer £40M and £5M bonus they want, and reduce the 25% sell-on they want.

It must be remembered that the sell-on clause is only on the profit and not a percentage of a whole future transfer fee.

The thing that's changed my mind from walking away, is that some stats have come up that shows that Dibling as better stats than Anthony Gordon did when we sold him for £45M, so in light of that, the deal for Dibling doesn't sound that outlandish.

Andrew Ellams 35 Posted 05/08/2025 at 21:39:06

There are rumours that we are now in for Dion Lopy from Almeria.

I think that would be the end for Tim Iroegbunam.

Ian Bennett 36 Posted 05/08/2025 at 21:46:36

Send them Patterson in part-exchange or loan choice of Armstrong, Chermiti or Iroegbunam.

Derek Thomas 37 Posted 05/08/2025 at 23:03:16

There doesn’t seem to be a big queue for him, seems like they're trying to do a Swansea on us - don't play their game.Tell them gtf, offer a fair price, which isn't £45 or even £40 Million, if No - walk away.

For £40+Million, in our new TFG Jerusalem, a player should be;1) 1st on the teamsheet.2) Our best player, a 'head and shoulders above the rest' best player.And he ain't either - not yet and maybe never.

Yes every signing is a gamble, but right now we can't afford £45millions worth of speculation and get it wrong.

Very low 30s or do one.

Ryan Holroyd 38 Posted 05/08/2025 at 23:35:20

Derek.

You’re not signing someone for 45m who would be head and shoulders above Jordan Pickford, Jarrad Branthwaite and Iliman N’Diaye

People need to get real about modern transfer fees.

Jay Harris 39 Posted 06/08/2025 at 03:19:19

RyanWill you please stop acting as if you are the encyclopedia Brittanica of football knowledge.

Other people are only posting their opinion. You should respect that and not act as if you know more than anyone else and jump on anyone’s opinion you don’t agree with.

The truth is Dibling has only been around for 5 minutes and there is not a queue of CL clubs looking to snap him up. Whereas Grealish is an established top drawer premier league player and England international. Nobody mentioned his wages which would have to be negotiated in the deal.

Paul Hewitt 40 Posted 06/08/2025 at 05:12:14

Dibling should go to Southampton and say " if you think I'm a 50 million pounds player, pay me like one".

Bob Parrington 41 Posted 06/08/2025 at 06:27:17

Good point, Paul

Alan McGuffog 42 Posted 06/08/2025 at 06:48:19

Ian...or just give them Patterson and walk away. That'd show 'em.

Ian Bennett 43 Posted 06/08/2025 at 06:59:52

Thought about throwing in Holgate and Dcl in. See if they notice.

Sam Hoare 44 Posted 06/08/2025 at 07:01:33

Paul, if Dibling stays I’ve no doubt Southampton will offer him a bumper new deal as his current one runs out in 2 years. Maybe he’d demand a release clause or a non-promotion clause.

If he didn’t sign a new contract then you’d imagine they’d be forced to sell him next summer or before and probably for less than £50m.

Not that I’m advocating this but if he were to turn to them and say he has no intention of signing a new contract it may help our bid though they still might hold fast seeing him as their best chance of securing an instant promotion that’s worth more than £50m.

Danny O'Neill 45 Posted 06/08/2025 at 07:10:43

Robert @ £35m for Fofana sounds about right. Lyon will want a return of investment. With add ons, they paid roughly £20m and there is a 20% sell on fee for his previous club Gent to consider.

I don't know if this one still has legs. As always, it will depend on our valuation versus Lyon's demands and obviously, what the player wants.

On Fellows v Dibling, there seem to be a few who've watched both a lot more than me.

I, and most appreciate the demands of the modern transfer market, but there is still value to be found out there.

We got Ndiaye for about £15m last year, O'Brien and Alcaraz for the same, all subject to Euro exchange rate at the time, We reportedly only paid £1m (yes, £1m) for Branthwaite.

Paul @40, interesting point, and I'm sure if Southampton have any desire to keep the player, wages are all they can offer to entice him to remain. But it doesn't really take away the likelihood that he wants an early return to the Premier League. Especially now that he knows there is interest and was given permission to talk to Everton.

Back to battle of the wills of the clubs agree on a price if this is going anywhere.

Mike Gaynes 46 Posted 06/08/2025 at 07:22:33

The Athletic reports that Leicester's James Justin has now risen to the top of our right-back list. A Leicester columnist says we'll likely come in at £6 million but they should hold out for £10m. He also says that Justin was"pretty awful in 2024/25;" his "productivity has drastically declined" and that he should be targeted only by one of the potential relegation clubs because he's a "27-year-old who never realised his full potential."

Not exactly a glowing review.

Robert Tressell 47 Posted 06/08/2025 at 07:38:31

Justin James would be a marked improvement but could still be the worst RB in the Prem after Bogle, Walker and Hulme (the latter two have been fairly strongly linked in the past year).

Robert Tressell 48 Posted 06/08/2025 at 08:02:52

Danny # 45, yes Thelwell beat the market on Alcaraz, Ndiaye and O’Brien last summer.

This summer, there are relatively few £10 to £20m deals across the top 5 European leagues and the Premier League.

Leeds have mopped up the highest volume to pad out the squad. Sunderland have gone more £20m to £30m.

Talbi is probably the one I am most jealous of who just sneaks into the sub £20m zone.

John Keating 49 Posted 06/08/2025 at 08:47:09

I’m sure there was a sell on clause in Branthwaites initial contract with CarlisleWould that now be void after him signing a new contract?

Danny O'Neill 50 Posted 06/08/2025 at 09:14:10

That's a good question John @49.

I'm not sure how it works. Without knowing the detail, I would guess that it will carry over, because, if in place, the original agreement with Carlisle would be they get a percentage of any future sell on fee.

It seems to be pretty standard practice now, but with Branthwaite, let's hope it doesn't come to that. Certainly not for the next several seasons.

Lester Yip 51 Posted 06/08/2025 at 09:30:40

$40m for a hot prospect is not the market we should look into. Too risky if failed. There's at least a $15m premium for he's English, played in EPL and young. I'd rather shop overseas and pay for someone like Barry. More likely to recoup all $25m even if things not working out (like M.Kean).

With PSR, better be cautious. This is a transition year which I'd expect to be mid-table. Just get the steady ones in to fill up the squad first like Brownhill or Ndidi. Instead of spending everything on one guy (like Sigurdsson)

Jon Atkinson 52 Posted 06/08/2025 at 10:02:12

Shades of Leeds and Gnonto, maybe these clubs who perceived we cheated them out the premier league with psr just don’t want to deal with us

Ben King 53 Posted 06/08/2025 at 10:17:38

Lester #51

Totally agree. We aren’t in the league position or financial position to take chances on potential at high prices

This guy COULD be a superstar but so could have Moise Kean, Vlasic, Lookman and whilst have all gone on to do very well - were any of them originally worth £50M with a 25% sell on in respect of future profit? I think not

With Dibblikg we would be taking on all the risk at £50M and 25% profit sell on - it’s crazy! 2 EPL goals so far!!!

I think Dibbling is great but at that price he’d be our record signing which is a lot of pressure for a 19yr old expected to be a ready made answer to our right hand side

In an ideal world we would sign Dibbling & another RW and rotate them to take the pressure off Dibbling but at £50M we can’t afford 2

Big big shame but Soton are taking the mick so we should walk away

Keith Gleave 55 Posted 06/08/2025 at 10:37:05

Although this lad is a talent, the money being asked is too much for a future talent, with the risk that is attached.My view, for what it is worth, purchase McAtee, Take Hoyland on loan. I would then use the money to try and get Kubo or Fofana. If these fail I would loan Grealish.My reason for Hoyland is, we have two big men in Beto and Barry, Chermiti is not that small now, so we don't have a plan B to change things upfront if plan A isn't working. If we are to continue with one upfront then we require two fast and tricky wingers to put the ball in and quick midfielders to pick up the second ball. Interesting that Rangers employed this last night.

Ben King 56 Posted 06/08/2025 at 10:59:26

All this talk of Grealish - the guy plays slow slow football

Doesn’t take on or beat a man anymore

He’s washed up with best years behind him

Too many are seeing the brand name rather than the output

Danny O'Neill 57 Posted 06/08/2025 at 11:28:03

The beauty of different opinions on different players Ben.

My view is that he still has a lot to offer and at 29, with consistent run in a team, I wouldn't think he's washed up. If he joined Everton, I would imagine it would be a loan.

My doubts are whether Moyes sees him as a fit and also whether wages would be a sticking block. Not our concern, that's for the club and their accountants to decide.

But I wouldn't like us to end up doing what Villa agreed to with Rashford, reportedly paying 75% of his alleged over £300k per week wages. He had little impact on their season.

Ian Bennett 58 Posted 06/08/2025 at 11:29:21

Hojlund on loan to buy for £30m, all day long for me.

Kubo & Fofana are better immediate bets than dibbling, but I understand the attraction.

Grealish. Manager needs to meet him and understand if there is still fire in the belly. Could be a Delph, could be a Barry.

Robert Tressell 59 Posted 06/08/2025 at 11:39:29

In today’s prices Dibling is lower cost than Sigurdsson, Richarlison, Beattie and Lukaku.

I think it is only because of our recent extreme austerity than he is even considered by some fans to be expensive. £45m would not be considered particularly expensive at all to the established 8 clubs and West Ham have fairly regularly spent that sort of money since 2021 also.

Villa spent €44m on a second choice left back last summer.

Brighton just spent €40m on an 18 year old Greek striker.

I do get that he’s a risk but he is also an opportunity to get a Champions League quality player.

Players like Ndidi, Brownhill and Fellows are also big risk as they are no better or worse than first XI players for the sides most likely to be relegated. In fact I don’t believe any of them would get in the starting line up for Sunderland. Players like that must surely increase our own likelihood of being relegated and dramatically reduce our chance of making the top 10. On that basis they are a huge risk (something known as reckless caution in investment circles).

Si Cooper 61 Posted 06/08/2025 at 11:51:16

Bit of a game of ‘chicken’ it seems.

£50 mil with 25% of sell-on is overly generous to Southampton. Doubt they actually want to sell, question is will it become necessary for them to do so.

James Justin looked like he could be a top right back a few years but has lapsed severely since. Was it injury/ injuries that led to his drop-off?

With some prime targets still technically available the hope lives on but the fingernails are getting a proper mauling.

Ben Dyson 62 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:06:56

More daft football "statistics" (so take this with a bucket load of salt) :

one-versus-one. com gives Tyler Dibling's power rating as 59, compared to Jack Harrison at 58.

£40m plus for a marginal improvement on Jack? Hmmm.

Sam Hoare 63 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:12:12

Robert, what do you think of Roger Fernandes at Braga?

Same age as Dibling and probably a little quicker. The sort of player we could probably get for £20m now but would likely be twice that next summer. Dunno wether Moyes would trust him but has a potential not too far off Dibling I’d say.

Ajay Gopal 64 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:17:00

I don't even know if the the Hojland to Everton is a credible rumour. If it is, then I would assume that one of Beto or Chermiti would be moved on. I see that Mainland-Niles os also being linked - he is a versatile player in that he can play RB and also cover in defensive MF. Just the type of player that Moyes likes. The idea of signing Justin James doesn't fill me with excitement - might as well keep Patto. But, we really do need to sign a RB capable of walking into the starting XI - Rensch/ Juanlu ?

GK: Pickford, Travers (4 mil), TyrerFB: Mykolenko, Aznou (9 mil), Rensch (20 mil)CB: Tarkowski, Branthwaite, O'Brien, KeaneMF: Gueye, Garner, Dewsbury-Hall (27 mil), Maitland-Niles (20 mil), ArmstrongAMF: Ndiaye, McNeil, Alcaraz (14 mil), Dibling (45 mil)Forwards: Barry Hojlund (30 mil) Chermiti

Sell: Beto (20 million), Patterson (7-8 million), Iroegbunam (8 million), Maupay (10 mil)

Net spend: 130-140 million

(4-2-3-1)

PickfordRensch Tarkowski Branthwaite MykolenkoGarner GueyeDibling Dewsbury-Hall NdiayeHojlund

Ryan Holroyd 65 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:21:17

Great points Robert

What’s your thoughts on spending £40m on Jack Grealish plus his wages (say £10m a year for three years) sims total cost of at least £70m?

Stephen Davies 66 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:22:27

Based on verified reports from sources like The Athletic, Everton's latest £40m bid for Tyler Dibling was countered by Southampton at £50m (incl. bonuses) + sell-on, leading to a standstill. No deal confirmed. The private jet rumor stems from unverified fan forums; no flight tracking confirms a related trip today.

Mark Taylor 67 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:24:53

If you wanted a benchmark, Juve signed Francisco Conceicao for £27m this summer. Only 22, the right kind of wide right player we want, already a full Portuguese international. Granted they can offer CL but that should not have much impact on the valuation.

£50m for Dibling seems very excessive in comparison. Maybe EPL clubs are just facing massive premiums to get players compared to those in Europe.

Ian Bennett 68 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:26:46

Ryan, you take him on loan only. Only if he performs, would you consider a longer deal.

No way do you commit £70m etc on a lad that may or may not be great.

69 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:26:50

For anyone interested, here are the players bought so far in this window for between £10m and £20m - who might get anywhere near our First XI.

- Gloukh (AM) to Ajax £12m - Xhaka (DM) to Sunderland £13m - Wolfe (LB) to Wolves £10m - Pubill (RB) to Atletico £13m - Merlin (LB) to Rennes £11m - Stach (DM) to Leeds £17m - Longstaff (CM) to Leeds £11m - Perrone (DM) to Como £11m - Bakayoko (RW) to Leipzig £16m - Diouf (LW) to West Ham £20m - Dedic (RB) to Benfica £10m - Sainz (LW) to Porto £12m - Talbi (RW) to Sunderland £19m

In the whole of Europe, that's it.

Some of these players were out of our league because of the pulling power of Champions League regulars. That largely leaves behind very mediocre players - or very untested prospects like Diouf and Talbi.

As a guide, Leipzig are now paying that sort of price for teenagers from weak leagues with little or no first team experience - such as £18m for an 18 year old left winger from the Spanish second division.

I think the value eked out of the market by Thelwell last summer on O'Brien, Alcaraz and Ndiaye hasn't really been matched by anyone this summer.

So the £10m to £20m signings of a few years ago are now really £20m to £30m signings - such as those being made by Sunderland this summer.

Robert Tressell 70 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:29:56

Mark, I suspect Conceicao had a release clause allowing him to go to a Champions League regular for lower cost. He has had a strange history of being sold repeatedly for quite a lot lower than his market value.

Robert Tressell 71 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:38:22

Sorry, because it's taken ages to get wifi connection I have missed some of the comments above.

Sam - re Roger, it's hard to tell. He looks really talented, fast and hard working too but has very little end product for a good club in a weak league. That's probably why no "big" club has gone in for him yet. He could have a big scoring breakout season - but equally could end up being like one of many flatter to deceive wingers like Bruma and others from Portugal. In the balance. I think he'd be a massive risk compared to Dibling - and would probably cost about £30m?

Ryan - buying Grealish for £40m plus big wages would be a terrible idea in my view. A loan to get the sense of whether he is still arsed seems like a great option - but I wouldn't want to find out he is not arsed and have the burden on dead wages for the next few years...

Stephen Davies 72 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:40:19

Everton open talks with Manchester City over potential move to sign Jack Grealish. The approach for Grealish is based on season-long loan. [@David_Ornstein]

Ryan Holroyd 73 Posted 06/08/2025 at 12:50:02

100% Ian and Robert

Danny O'Neill 74 Posted 06/08/2025 at 13:02:24

The proposed £70m over 4 years on Grealish stretches the imagination. He'd be 33 going on 34 at that point.

Worth a punt on loanfor a season, depending if the club can agree something with City.

Ryan Holroyd 75 Posted 06/08/2025 at 13:14:33

Dion Lopy. Robert Any ideas on him?

Jack Convery 76 Posted 06/08/2025 at 13:16:16

Off topic but any one going to the Roma game may like to make a note of this, from Arriva. Maybe put it up again on the match preview.

Heading to watch Everton this weekend, hop on services or 929 from Liverpool ONE (stand four) or 939 from Bootle (stand four). Services start 3.5 hours before kick off. The last bus to Hill Dickinson stadium will depart 30 minutes before kick off.

Christine Foster 77 Posted 06/08/2025 at 13:20:07

Here's an interesting perspective, should we get a right fullback, assuming that Myko will keep the young lad on the bench, what happens to O'Brien? Can't see him ousting Tarks or Branthwaite, a seat next to Keane and Patterson?Or a reshuffling of midfield? Tim benched, a wide man to replace McNeil, so then we still have Gana, Alcaraz, Garner, Ndiaye and then another 2 to come.. ?Up front, Beto, Barry..There will be a lot of noses out of joint on the bench..The first 11 is really a first 14 depending on tactics, but that means quite a few current players will be not making a contribution, but who?

Mark Taylor 78 Posted 06/08/2025 at 13:23:09

Robert, I believe he went on loan to Juve with an option to buy at £27m.

I think that sum looks especially good value because he spent that season significantly enhancing his value.

For some reason Porto didn't seem all that keen on him. Prior to that, he was loaned out to Ajax at a point when you could argue at that point, he fitted the Dibling profile of much promise but not quite proven.

I note the Saints fan site seem to be very, very happy at getting £50m for a player whose form fell off a cliff in the second half of the season and whose value is going to plummet if, as expected, he won't sign a new contract. Many think £40m is good business under the circumstances and they've been watching him all last season.

It's a good game of poker. We want him and I assume someone has figured out the probability of promise realised is very high. But the saints have to sell and like us, need time to add players to their squad quickly. I think it really revolves around whether a bigger club comes in for him very soon and for more than our £45m plus. No-one yet and I'm struggling to see who would be obvious, other than maybe Spurs with Maddison out and Son off. But I can't see Levy ponying up £50m for a teenager with a very limited CV

Sam Hoare 79 Posted 06/08/2025 at 13:32:01

Robert@71 I think Fernandes managed 6 or 7 goals this year. Not too shabby at only 19. I think he’d cost nearer £20m than £30m.

The risk question is interesting. Not that I’m disagreeing but why is Dibling, who has produced less end product than Fernandes, seen as lower risk despite being more than twice the price? Is it PL or English bias? Is it hype? Or just gut feeling?

Fernandes could be the next Bruma ( decent player mind you) but Dibling could be the next David Bentley. Certainly the latter would have to improve a lot more than the former to justify the price. It feels like some on here are talking like it’s a foregone conclusion that he becomes a £80m player but we all know that more players fail to deliver on their potential than do. I like Dibling a lot but it’s still a leap of faith even at £40m let alone £50m.

Danny O'Neill 80 Posted 06/08/2025 at 13:49:17

Christine, all I can say to that is after years of being starved of options, we may end up we a relative luxury of them in various positions.

The other obvious things to consider are inevitable injuries, suspensions and the manager deciding on a different team selections for different matches and competitions.

Jack Convery 81 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:00:39

Jack Grealish talks have opened according to the BBC Sports page.

Looking at last seasons stats:

32 games in all comps - of which, 20 were EPL.Completed more than 60 minutes on 12 occasions.Across all comps scored 3 goals alongside 5 assists.Played LW 18 times, 1 goal, 3 assists.Played AM 4 times, 1 goal.Played LM 3 times 1 goal, 2 assists.Played CM twice, no goals / assists.Of his goals, one was in the EPL, against Leicester.

23/24.

36 games in all comps - including 20 in EPL.Played 60 minutes plus, on 18 occasions. This includes 9 such appearances in EPL.3 goals all in EPL. 5 assists across all comps, though none in EPL.

On the above basis I do not see a £40m plus player. This was in a Man City team. His stats for last season may be excused, somewhat, by City's poor form but those for the previous season, were in a title winning team. He will be 30 in September. This to me is looking like a "name" signing more akin to the Moshiri/Kenwright axis.

Compare his stats, to Christian Eriksen's at a very poor Manchester United for last season.

35 games, 5 goals and 6 assists, across all comps and he's on a free. He's not for me either - too slow - but no way does the contribution by Grealish out shine Eriksen's stats.

Rob Halligan 82 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:03:35

Christine, we need a squad of about 25 players, with two players for each position. We’ve just seen in the USA what a lack in depth of the squad means. Each of Bournemouth, West Ham and Man Utd literally changed their entire outfield during the games, while we struggled to make a bench, never mind change an entire team. Players must surely now realise it’s a squad game where nobody can be guaranteed a starting spot, which can only be good for the team, as competition can be fierce……play well and you keep your place…..play bad and you’re out!

Ray Robinson 83 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:13:07

I think that I’ve seen Dibling play live twice. Once, if my memory is correct, when he came on as sub in the Carabao Cup game when he looked very good. And then in the last game of the season when I never really noticed him. Not sure therefore that he even played?

So yes, he won’t be consistent. The last young player that impressed me highly was Evan Ferguson and to say that his progress has been underwhelming is an understatement. So I guess, it’s a calculated gamble. The next Trevor Steven or the next John Oster? Or maybe Ademola Lookman who needed several changes of club to realise his potential?

£35m - £40m might be worth a punt. Anything above that is too big a risk.

Stu Gre 84 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:16:18

Grealish for a season has got to be worth a punt. It's not just his game-time, it's his participation in winning teams and experience.

And he'll be what he likes with us: the star (and he can attract others to Everton)

Also, he's very good at drawing a foul when you need one...

Pat Kelly 85 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:20:37

Dibling is now, reportedly, training away from the first team at Southampton. Looks like he's in the departure lounge. There's a deal waiting to be done. The lad's head has been so turned he could audition for The Exorcist.

Ryan Holroyd 86 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:23:31

Sell McNeil maybe?

Danny Baily 87 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:31:40

Grealish, Dibling, KDH (now confirmed)? These signings are exciting, and of a different calibre to the ones we've had to put up with in recent seasons. If we pull these off it will be out best window since Doucoure, James and Allan arrived, and we were second at Christmas that season.

Sam Hoare 88 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:34:15

Jack@81, it’s true. Jack Grealish from 2018-2023 was a thing to behold but he’s not been great for the last two years. How much of that is due to less opportunity/rhythm and how much is due to waning motivation or physical condition is hard to tell.

Hopefully Moyes has had a good meeting with him and is convinced there is still fire in the belly and a desire to get back somewhere near to where he was.

Brent Stephens 89 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:37:31

KDH confirmed.

David Currie 90 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:40:48

Sam 88, If Moyes has a meeting with Jack his first question should be ' Can you give up the sauce for one year.'

Ian Bennett 91 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:42:16

All downhill after winning a treble Sam, apart from another title.

Danny O'Neill 92 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:44:19

Ray @83, I'm the same. I'm reliably informed I've watched Dibling live twice, but I never noticed him. This will play out between Everton and Southampton.

On Dewsbury-Hall, I can only say that the Chelsea supporters I know are not happy letting him go. Although not quite Sky or Talk Sport, and certainly not the widely speculative online media sites you can read and ignore, the BBC (not excluded from speculation) are reporting a fee has been agreed with Chelsea, personal terms are being discussed and he is due at Finch Farm for a medical.

As already mentioned, talks opened with City and Grealish for a loan.

If the planets align and that all falls into place, come next week, the squad would be looking a lot healthier. But this is football, so let's see. That will see Moyes have 7 of his 9-10, and I'll keep adding him, but retaining Branthwaite is a major boost, so you could argue 8, otherwise, we may have been having to replace him.

And then there's still time for more additions, both before the season starts and certainly before 1st September.

Ray Said 94 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:49:03

Some really interesting points made in this thread so far.

In my view we should never be interested in any player that 'downs tools' or fails to turn up for training to try to secure a move like Lookman, Dibling, Douglas Luiz appear to have done recently. It should be a point of principle to walk away quickly from such characters. They are not good for morale or team spirit and, if we are to have a small squad, team spirit and morale will be critical factors.

On Grealish I know the stories about his re-fueling habits and party boy activities but, focussing just on the pitch, I agree with Ben King (56) that his last couple of seasons he has played ultra slow football, passing backwards at every opportunity, hardly ever beating a man and crossing or cutting in an shooting and, as for his 'drawing a foul' abilities we used to call that diving and cheating. I would pass on both Grealish and Dibling.

Alan McGuffog 95 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:53:51

Iain..Who for ?

Mike Hayes 96 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:55:47

Good signing - Dibling and Grealish next 🤷💙

Mark Taylor 97 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:59:18

As with any signing, you could make a case for Grealish but I just can't see his role in this team. He is a ball player, best in a possession orientated side in constant rotation which is hardly how I would describe Everton. Maybe the US games were about making best use of what you have, but it was basically long balls into the channels. No good for a Grealish.

Maybe, just maybe, he could be effective providing a spark in the AM position, but I sure hope we loan, not buy. And he's going to have to take a big pay cut otherwise he'll destabilise the squad. He's not the marquee player he might have been a few years ago.

Danny O'Neill 98 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:01:23

Ray @94,

Personal view, I'd put that down to Pep's tactics, not necessarily Grealish. At Villa, he was better running at defenders.

Pass, pass, pass, pass etc. Keep possession then go. It worked for years at various clubs, including City, not so much last season.

Craig Harrison 99 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:01:25

Mark. I always thought freakish looked more at home/ exciting playing for Villa. And they did not play possession based football.

Mark Taylor 100 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:07:19

Craig True and that would be the case for. My concern would be, does he have the same dynamism as back then, 4-5 years ago? To the extent he ever had much pace, most of it seems to have deserted him.

Ray Robinson 101 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:13:52

Agree with Danny. Pep ruined Grealish. Asking him to hug the left hand touchline and retain possession by playing the ball in field all the time is counterintuitive to Grealish who likes to do things off the cuff. Of course, that risks losing possession which is a crime in Pep’s eyes. Another example of Pep stymying natural talent in favour of regimented team play. He’ll do the same to Doku.

Interesting to see how this might play out under Moyes who hardly has a reputation himself for encouraging maverick individuals.

Has Pep killed off Grealish’s natural talent and enthusiasm? Has his reputed affection with the booze dulled his desire?

Like Dibling, another big risk. That’s why I’d only consider a loan.