Southampton are reportedly keen to retain Tyler Dibling until the summer amid his links with Manchester United.
Southampton have reportedly made their stance clear on the future of their 18-year-old starlet Tyler Dibling, ruling out any prospect of selling him during the January transfer window. Despite sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table, the Saints are determined to retain their breakout winger, who has been one of the standout performers of the season with his dazzling dribbles and graceful balance.
His performances have drawn the attention of several top clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and RB Leipzig. However, as per Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Southampton manager Ivan Juric insists Dibling’s development would be best served by staying at his boyhood club, at least until the end of the season.
Dibling to Stay Despite Refusing Contract Extension
Although Dibling has declined a contract extension beyond 2027, Southampton remain firm in their resolve to keep the talented winger this month. Clubs like Newcastle United and RB Leipzig, along with Tottenham and Manchester United, have expressed interest in signing him, with the latter two having scouted him as early as September.
Even Jurgen Klopp, overseeing Red Bull’s global soccer operations, reportedly made moves to secure Dibling’s services before Premier League clubs could act. Despite this interest, Southampton have decided to hold on to their prized asset, knowing that his value will only increase as he continues to develop.
Dibling’s current ankle injury, which is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks, further complicates any potential January move. With games against Newcastle United, Ipswich Town, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, and Liverpool looming, Southampton will sorely miss his presence during this crucial stretch.
Ivan Juric, Southampton’s head coach, reiterated his desire to keep Dibling at the club, emphasising the need for the young winger to continue his development with regular playing time. Juric explained his decision to play Dibling as a forward, stating,
“I think in this moment, he’s better when he plays more forward because he doesn’t have to do too much defensive work. He’s ready to score, to go one against one. For now, it’s okay for him.”
The Croatian manager was adamant that staying at Southampton would be in Dibling’s best interests, saying, “Good players have to stay here… I think for him it’s best to stay here, of course.”
Ready to take the next step
While the player is likely to stay put until the end of the 2024/25 season, he has shown the ability to thrive in the English top flight, something Manchester United and Tottenham will be keen to take advantage of.
Manchester United’s interest in Tyler Dibling stems from their ongoing search for young attacking talent to bolster their squad. Dibling’s ability to beat defenders one-on-one and his natural flair would provide an additional dimension to United’s attack.
Under Ruben Amorim, a manager known for nurturing young players, Dibling could thrive as part of a versatile front line, either playing out wide or as a secondary striker. With the Red Devils looking to the future, Dibling could be groomed into a long-term replacement for Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho in the attacking midfield or wing positions.
For Tottenham, Tyler Dibling represents a potential solution to their attacking creativity woes, particularly in matches where breaking down defensive setups is a challenge. His close control and ability to create chances from wide areas would complement the more direct style of Son Heung-min and the physicality of Richarlison.
Ange Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy would allow Dibling to express himself freely, potentially forming a lethal trio with Son and James Maddison. Additionally, his arrival would align with Spurs’ renewed focus on acquiring young, homegrown talent capable of making an impact in the Premier League.
