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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Too expensive.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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.

£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.

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!

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.

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.

Ray 12 - absolutely I would take Højlund.

£30M is a steal in this stupid market and we've not seen the best of him yet.

Jack, you're right this time.

Your last post was way out!!

Ray,

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

Jay @ 11,

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

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!

‘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!!!

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.

Just go and get Tom Fellows.

He's just as good as a winger.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

I think that would be the end for Tim Iroegbunam.

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

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.

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.

Ryan
Will 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.

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

Good point, Paul

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

$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)

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

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

Southampton have made enquiries with WBA for Fellowes

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

John @49 - No, they are two separate contracts. One for the purchase and sale of the player, and one for the player's terms with the club.

You can't change the terms of the contract with Carlisle without their agreement.

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.

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.

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.

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), Tyrer
FB: Mykolenko, Aznou (9 mil), Rensch (20 mil)
CB: Tarkowski, Branthwaite, O'Brien, Keane
MF: Gueye, Garner, Dewsbury-Hall (27 mil), Maitland-Niles (20 mil), Armstrong
AMF: 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)

Pickford
Rensch Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Garner Gueye
Dibling Dewsbury-Hall Ndiaye
Hojlund

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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]

100% Ian and Robert

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.

Dion Lopy. Robert Any ideas on him?

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.

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?

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

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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...

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.

Sell McNeil maybe?

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.

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.

KDH confirmed.

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

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

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.

Dewsbury Hall has signed.

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.

Iain..
Who for ?

Good signing - Dibling and Grealish next 🤷💙

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Sam # 79, transfer market says Roger got 3 in 28 last season but I may have used the wrong filter. I think he’s riskier than Dibling because a lot of the Portuguese league probably compares unfavourably to the Championship - except some exceptional players at the big 3 and a few at Braga. It’s not really clear how good he is therefore. For example Edwards looked very good in Portugal but may not even start for Burnley.

Dibling meanwhile has had a full season in the Prem, can handle himself physically and can very definitely play that level. Okay he could get injured, hit the booze or fizzle out but he seems less risk to me at, say, £45m than Roger for, say, £25m.

There’s no crystal ball with any of this though. Roger may yet prove me wrong and become a huge star.

Can we not speak to the player himself to gauge his reaction over this transfer saga & to sell the future project of our great club??

Robert, might it be we are putting too much premium on PL experience?

Yes, Dibling played a season there but his output was fairly minimal. He definitely showed he can beat a man but, beyond that, has he done enough to make us certain he'll be worth £60M plus in 3-4 years? I suspect as Everton fans we may be unduly wowed by a good dribbler given its rarity in our team recently.

I've not watched loads of Roger but am surprised to hear you dismiss a youngster for playing in a weaker league as both of us have so often propagated the benefits of shopping in such places.

Billy, I think that's called "tapping up". Strictly forbidden.

Of course, every club has done it since Adam was a lad... but guess which club would have the book thrown at it?

You're right, Sam, I probably am getting tied up in a bit of double-think here. If I attempt to untangle it, it probably works like this:

Roger could be an excellent lower cost signing if we already had a good right winger. Because, like many young players from weaker leagues, it could take 18 months to acclimatise.

Sadly we don't. He'd be chucked in at the deep end. He doesn't (yet) even have an established RB to help him. That would be setting up a young talent to fail.

One option then might be to spread risk by signing Fellows and Roger. The outlay might be similar to Dibling. You get someone unremarkable but “ready “ and someone with a higher ceiling to develop.

The only issue with this is that I am not knocked out by either player. There won't be many opportunities for us to sign a player like Dibling - and it's only really because randomly the market has provided Champions League regulars with a glut of RW (ish) players in Madueke, Kudus, Cherki etc this summer. They had more immediate options.

Cherki, while cheaper and excellent value, was not available to us – and only available at a discount to Man City because Lyon are in financial etc difficulties. So his price tag is probably not a realistic comparison.

Next summer though, with Dibling on board we should definitely hunt out the likes of Roger to build up the quality of the squad even more.

I don't understand why Dibling is in the same price range as Garnacho. Is it just because Garnacho is on higher wages?

Sign Dibling. The argument over £5 million is unambitious, over cautious, and devoid of imagination. Let's be happy for a fucking day.
This is not another Sigurdsson; signing him excited me about as much as much as Ashley Young.

Andy -#108

Are you suggesting to pay £50M + 25% sell on clause?

Thats crazy money and all the risk for Everton

Ipswich Town have rejected a bid from Nottingham Forest to sign attacking midfielder Omari Hutchinson.

The proposal was worth £35million and if a sale was to occur, Ipswich would demand a higher price for the former England youth international.

Andy 108, Agree just pay the money for this talented player and if we have to get some money back sell Chermiti and Iroegbunam. One big talent in and two average players out. We need quality!

David #111

We do need quality but we also need squad depth my friend

Ben the sell on will be 25% of anything over £50 million. So, yes that's exactly what I"m saying.
Of course it's crazy money. £1 million is crazy money FFS. So, at what point would it not be crazy for you?
Low thirty millions as suggested by someone? £45. 1? £ 46. 3751?
It is utterly meaningless unless Southampton suddenly said. Mmm, it's not £50 million it's £90.
We are fretting over premier league loose change and looking small time.

I really don't see how a player we were happy to bid £40 million for previously suddenly becomes too much of a risk at £5/10 million more.

Ben 112, Yes we do but we don't want to miss out on signing a quality player for the sake of losing 2 average players.

Dibling has the natural ability to break the lines via rolling his man, a quick trick, letting the ball run past him as he disguises taking a touch or vice versa

With modern tactics and organisation, it’s become a vital piece of the puzzle in scoring goals and it’s a skill that is natural and perfected. It’s hard to teach

The final pass and better finishing can be polished (to an extent) and better decision making improved with experience

Dibling has that natural ability, in a way ndiaye does but he seems to be more direct with it, tho atm the stats don’t back up the end productivity of it all

I for one, would love to have him part of the squad and team. He is the type of player you enjoy watching and we haven’t had enough of those

he's gonna be introduced by Dan on the centre circle on Saturday isn't he
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cp89vglp7z9o

If we did pay the 50 millon, then I wouldn't want a sell on clause in the deal.

Everton target Tyler Dibling has asked to leave Southampton. No official transfer request submitted, but 19 year old training alone whilst talks continue between the two clubs

talks between the clubs are advancing and there is a sense a deal for Dibling can be reached.

He won’t play for Southampton against Wrexham in their opener. I think this deal will be completed over the weekend.

Looks like this one will happen.

So... Dibling, we pay £50m over 5 years.

His value amortised by £10m per year.

In year 3 we sell him for the same £50m, by then he'll be £20m on our books.

Southampton get nothing & we put £30m in our profit column.

God... you've just gotta love amortisation!

There will be a sell on clause written into his contract, Iain, so sell him for £1 over the £50M, or will it be £55M with add on’s included. Either way we’d owe Southampton 25p. Seems fair to me. Send them a postal order!

Paul, it really doesn't matter.
We get him him for £50 million and he turns out crap; We pay £40 million and, same thing. Who, seriously, fucking who, is going to say, well that was £10 million saved.
Who gives a flying fuck what the add ons are? If he should, in his spare time, discover a cure for some awful illness, then, well that we be an add on and a half. But, fucking he'll, with our luck, LIVING, through the length of his contract should be an add on.
Why move down the list for £5 million?
Sign him!! If penny counting is your thing become a short term trader and invest your dreams there.

Iain #122

I don't think that's how it works but in any case I'd rather we sell him for £90 million and Saints get their 25%.

In fact I'd much rather he was worth £90 million and we keep him

Robert@106, that all makes sense. And I probably feel the same way. I guess I’m just questioning how good Dibling really is? Is my keenness to have him based on anything substantial or is it just a combo of hype and flair starvation?! Other than a little size I’m not sure I see a huge difference when I watch Roger and Tyler.

I’d be happy to get either of them! Or any other RW who can beat his man regularly and find a pass or a shot.

Ed # 107, it’s a good question about the comparison with Garnacho. I guess the difference is Man Utd want to sell and - as you say - the implications of high wages?

Ben # 111, normally I’d be saying the same thing about squad depth but if we get Dibling the only key position to fill is now RB and we have all our loan spots left. Okay, we won’t have a big squad but we should be okay.

Andy, paying silly money for players nearly finished us. So no I don't want to carry on paying silly money on players. He's had one season in the premier league. Scored 2 goals I think. Not a 50 million player yet for me.

Southampton would be all over us like a rash if we contacted the player with negotiations going on. He's still their player, although they've pulled him from full training with the squad.

It's down to the clubs to agree a fee.

As for a sell on clause, that's pretty standard now, it's just the percentage that needs negotiating.

So, if I'm Kinnear or Everton for a day, get the price down and also the sell on %.

Southampton apparently after fellows from west Brom.

Sam # 126 my opinion is definitely clouded by a bit of hope / desperation / optimism… it’s about time we had some luck though.

Sam, you and Robert need to get on board. The new owners will listen to you!!
Put your parsimonious tendencies aside and get happy!!

Paul @128, it's understandable that we are scarred from the reckless Moshiri days and very cautious.

But I don't think we need to worry about going back there. TFG, from what I've seen, won't go there. Early days, but as the current custodians, we have to trust them to sanction what they know we can spend.

Other clubs are more at risk. United and Villa spring to mind.

So, Paul, as you seem to know, what's the difference in a £40 million player and a £50 million one. Or a £43 and a £46, or a £46.2 and a £46. 8?
Of course you don't know. Do you seriously think that the amount we are talking about here is remotely like the Moshiri insanity?
You know as well as me that it is not. Do you want our club to be haunted by that madness? Do you want it to destroy our aspirations and dreams?
Of course you don't!!!

Paul 128
Agree totally with your summation. He’s not even had a full season. By some reports he was rather petulant, so I doubt he’d be a Moyes type.

I don’t want to sound like a hypocrite (I hate it when richer/bigger clubs bully the small fry) but I think we should tell Southampton, hand over the player or else!

is it too early to start referencing the Dibling Derby?

Really hope we get this deal wrapped up.

Young, fantastic talent, sell on potential, fills a position we desperately need.

Future England international.

What’s not to like

Never thought we’d have a chance of getting him at start of summer window

Can’t wait to watch him in an Everton shirt

Big statement of intent

If we want to play with the big boys we need to start thinking big.
We won’t get prospects or serious players if we’re only matching the lower placed sides.

Andy@134. We might as well offer them 60 million then. Not much difference between 50 and 60 is there?.

Dean (135) Alan Ball was probably the most petulant player I've seen in an Everton shirt. But he was our petulant.

Hopefully bring it on.

Let someone else risk the big cash.
Everton have bought too many who have flopped.
Are we still awaiting a big impression from Chermitti. Yes he may come good this season if he is injury free but like the idea of Grealish on loan if we can afford his wages.

Grealish is oven-ready, creates a lot with his dribbling and gets many free kicks. With the likes of Beto, Barry and Chermitti not to mention our big guys at the back Grealish could be a great acquisition for this season

Paul, there is always the ridiculous point. You've made it.

Andy. So how high a fee would you go for Dibling?

Sorry, Paul, just realised re read that. I didn't mean your point was ridiculous.

Meet their value, Paul. If they muck about, then let it go.

If you wanna buy quality you have to pay.

Fantastic talent

We’re paying for potential world class talent, not what he did last season.

Fingers crossed

Interesting thread to read if you want to educate yourselves about him

https://x.com/TheStatsSaint/status/1953188213159579871

Tom #142, someone else is risking the big cash. His name is Friedkin. It's his money. And he's got plenty. Obviously we must remain PSR-compliant, but that's the risk of overspending, not running out of cash.

And this new management isn't responsible for any of the recruitment mistakes of the past. Set history aside and judge the new guys on what they do, not what Mosh and Bill and Marcel and the rest of the clowns did before.

Get the boy in as soon as possible, he is quality!

Spurs were linked with him earlier in the year and have lost Son and Maddison. If I was Frank, I would be all over him!

Mike, someone else might be risking the capital but the idea is, the costs are passed onto us; otherwise why would they bother?

I do not understand why some on here see all this as someone else's money. It will be your money in due course, one way or another. If we qualify for Europe, then you may well be happy to have spent that money. If not, you still pay and you can be miserable.

I think that applies to Andy Crook's comments also. I hope the owners have a clear idea what value is or isn't because otherwise, your season ticket will be going up fast!

Brent 89, thanks but why so brief? Have a couple of sentences.

Hope you are doing well.

Hi, Dale. I was multitasking hence the brevity. I'm well, thanks. Hope you're doing okay.

I tend to dip into ToffeeWeb a bit less than I used to at the moment. Always read your posts though.

Looking forward to going to the Roma game, my first visit to the new stadium.

I sort of understand the excitement over Dibling, but think it's very early to be labelling a 19-year-old as potential world class. Maybe potentially he can develop into a top Premier League footballer first.

Let's wait and see if we get to see him play in an Everton shirt. Then we can make a better judgement. If and when he signs, which is looking likely, he may not be guaranteed a regular start. With Grealish also now looking possible, which I didn't think it would, then there is going to be healthy competition in those areas, which is a good thing.

As well as Moyes did when he came in, due to sheer numbers, his team was picking itself. Now he's going to have options.

Dibling may have great potential, and we obviously rate him, but me personally, I haven't seen him play enough to take notice, so I'll have to wait.

On the money discussion, I've already said, the club decides what it can afford.

Goodison constrained us. We still have the TV revenue, but have added other streams. Corporate and hospitality tickets far greater than Goodison. Stadium sponsorship, which we never had. The money generated from the sale of the women's team and Goodison. Season tickets and tickets in general have already increased for the coming season. Plus, they managed the debt they inherited to a more sensible repayment model on a lower interest rate.

Plus, TFG's own investment and that of others they have brought in as investors.

Of course, like most club owners and businessmen, they will want to see a return, but they may have to speculate first. With a lot of the background work having been worked on, now it's getting it right on the pitch and competing for those coveted European places and a trophy.

Early days, but I don't fear we are going back to the recklessness of the Moshiri era. And we've already demonstrated with Branthwaite, that we don't necessarily have to sell, unless we decide and on our terms.

Andy, You state it as you feel it. with the f's and s's and all that included. I like this. Why hold back?

Let's go for it and buy Dibling! It's not really what we can sell him for, it's what the true worth is. For instance, if he is instrumental in the team sufficient for us to reach the Top 10 this season and then the Top 4 to Top 6 the next season, who gives a fuck?

We'll recover the outlay from the Premier League coffers and still be in a position of being able to sell or keep!

The correct price for anything of course is the price that someone is prepared to pay for it.

I want to see top quality, exciting players grace the turf at Bramley-Moore Dock. This is a new start in a new stadium. If there is a time to push the metaphorical boat out, surely it is now.

Give Moyes the tools to make us a force again. Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall looks like a throwback to the days of players on cigarette cards. May he and his team mates take us back to the upper echelons!

I always find it strange this age obsession amongst Everton fans. Too old at let's say 28, too young at 18. So then, what's the perfect age for you to sign a player?

Liverpool have a 16-year-old they are creaming themselves over. They say he's ready to start. Yamal, and Doue are younger than Dibling. Does that make Dibling too old then? We had our very own Wayne Rooney playing as a toddler.

Thomas Mueller, Modric, Totti, Kroos (not to mention, Ronaldo) all played well into their 30s at the highest level. What about Barry and Milner?

Age is a state of mind, in my opinion. Experience is acquired. Talent is god given. Stop with this age and experience nonsense. If you're good enough, you'll play. If not….

Get this kid, Dibling, in. If we don't try, we'll never know.

I think the cost consideration is not just about what is he worth but also who else you could get for that money.

For £50M we could probably afford (or have afforded) the likes of Kluivert or Hutchinson or Outarra or Sarr or Madueke or Schade or maybe even Bowen, Mitoma or Barnes. Gibbs-White and Semenyo are only £10M more. And this is just Premier League players.

Personally I love a young talent with the world seemingly at his feet but wonder if others would prefer someone else on the list?

Of course Dibling actually seems to be keen on the move and many names on that list wouldn't. That's an important factor in all this.

Colin, that's why I'm not ageist!! Age doesn't come into it when I'm judging a player.

Look at Gana. Model professional. And although opinions were divided, Ashley Young played an important part for us last season.

All of those players you mention are great examples. I know goalkeepers are different, but the Fluminense keeper (name?) in the Club World Cup. 44 years old with the reflexes of a 24-year-old. Nigel Martyn, when we got him in his twilight still looked sharp.

I think Rooney was a freak. You could tell straight away. The Liverpool player you mention, has scored in a pre-season friendly.

I have high hopes for Harrison Armstrong (18) this season. Dibling may turn out to be a revelation. If he signs, let's hope so.

Colin, there's an interaction between age and value for money - which really matters if you are ambitious but do not have the resources to compete.

We cannot afford the likes of Wirtz and Ekitike (still young) because they have already proved themselves.

However we can afford players of exceptional technical ability if we buy younger players who have not yet proved themselves / fulfilled their potential.

To smooth the risk of failure you buy a higher volume of such players. Some will fail - but with those who succeed you get a player of exceptional talent at their peak- not in their decline.

Indeed unless you do this you will never have an exceptional player during their peak - which makes it very hard to win things.

The alternatives are to buy inferior players - or to take a risk on (usually much higher wage) older / broken players richer clubs no longer want. These categories can provide good value provided you keep the fee and wages low.

Depends on the context, Colin.

From a financial and playing point of view, it's probably buying players at 23 or 24, getting 5 or 6 years out of them, and selling them on at 29 or 30, when they've still got value, but wages are high and they have had injuries.

That gives you productive players about to hit their peak, and it then gives you some financial return to recycle the money to go again.

All terribly dull, but football is all about finance. It's why Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City rarely buy a 28-year-old in their peak anymore.

Also, the level of fitness required to be a top side, is probably siding on a slightly younger player. Can full-backs still be an elite player at over 30 when they cover that level of distance? Could a team of 30-year-olds live with PSG? I don't think I've enjoyed watching a non-Everton side as much as them last season, they've moved the bar.

You have heard my views many times, Robert.

We have and are assembling a younger squad, sprinkled with the necessary experience.

I know views are different, but I never really understand when we're talking about sell-on when we sign a player. Maybe it's a valid consideration, and further down stream, the club may decide to sell or a player may ask to leave.

But, as a supporter, the last thing on my mind when we sign someone is how much they will be worth in 3 or 4 years.

This signing would show TFG intent, as to where they want Everton to be, and also show support for Moyes.

A few more quality surprise signings and get us set for an exciting season.

Relevant to nothing, but the US media absolutely loves our new kit. The Athletic ranks our home shirt as the best in the Premier League. Here's what they wrote:

This is absolutely exceptional. The wavy lines are a reference to the River Mersey, on the banks of which Everton will be playing this season at…sorry, it's been a couple of months and it still sounds utterly ridiculous…the Hill Dickinson Stadium. They look tremendous, and while it might not be a deliberate tribute to Everton's kits of their real glory days in the mid/late-eighties, this shirt does remind you of that a little bit. Kit appreciators of a certain mindset went into deep mourning when Everton went from Hummel to Castore, a brand that reeks of rugby, but if they're going to produce shirts that look like this all the time, then sign me up for a day at Twickers drinking pints with Hugo and Jonty.

And ESPN has been posting rolling rankings of every new EPL kit as they came out. Out of 42 so far, ours ranks as the #1 new home shirt, and #3 overall behind the third kits of Arsenal and Newcastle. ESPN writes:

With a new Hill Dickinson stadium to christen next season, Everton have produced a companion kit directly inspired by the 52,000-seater ground. Somewhat unusually for the Toffees, their royal blue home shirt will feature a distinct all-over pattern in the form of waves, which represents the River Mersey that flows directly beside their new waterfront home. A simple and effective design that has meaning -- something we need to see more of when it comes to kits.

Chelsea are hoping to sign Xavi Simons for less than Southampton are asking here.

We will get him… but for less than Southampton are asking.

Danny # 160, I didn't actually mention sell-on value…

Andrew # 165, I presume that means Simons has a release clause. He has been traded repeatedly in various odd looking deals so presume it's something he chooses (possibly in exchange for lower wages as Haaland did at Dortmund). Whatever the case, Simons isn't available to us - Dibling is.

Sorry if taken out of context, Robert. Not aimed at your post.

Just a common generic theme I read on here.

The Bobble was on X last night saying that Dibling has told Southampton he wants to leave, but hasn't put in a transfer request.

No doubt Everton and Southampton are now discussing what terms he will leave on. But once a player says he wants away, that's usually the beginning of the end.

So I would be surprised if this deal isn't sorted by Monday at the latest, as Southampton start their season on Saturday.

Danny # 167,

Don't worry, I was just being silly. It's hard to say things with a smile on here without resorting to emojis – and then you risk accidentally portraying graphic sex acts!

Dibling has been withdrawn form training by Southampton due to ongoing negotiations with Everton — meanwhile, it has been announced that Maddison is out for all of next season due to an ACL tear.

Given past history, if we want Dibling, we had better move quickly before Spurs do their usual and nip in and pinch our target at the death.

I agree, Hugh.

Other clubs are being linked now. If we want him, we have to act quickly.

Let Spurs have him.

Let's get Richarlison back.

Nothing would be more Everton than signing a washed-up, never really that good Richarlison ahead of a potential future star in Dibling.

I hope that doesn't happen — and I don't think for one second that will happen!

I'd be interested to know how many times some of the people on here have actually watched Dibling play?

I can't say I remember him sticking out in any game I watched him in.

Some on here must have seen him play in every match by the sounds of it…

Paul, Dibling looked very dangerous when he came on as a sub after 60 minutes in the Carabao Cup game. There was a noticeable buzz from the away supporters.

And yet, I can't remember anything remarkable at all from him in the league game at the end of the season.

Hugh (170),

I think Spurs did a big favour taking Richarlison off our hands and giving us a handsome fee as well.

I'd love them to take this kid from Southampton and have a gamble on him — I think they can afford the risk — I doubt very much we can.

Paul, there was a point under Dyche when watching our rivals meant watching more enjoyable matches so I watched him quite a few times.

The lad is exciting. He tries things. Then he tries again. He's full of confidence. He's got a knack of making things happen – which you can imagine wasn't easy in that Southampton team.

You know whenever Harrison was favourite for the ball and somehow never seemed to come away with it? Dibling is the opposite. He seems to come out with the ball when it didn't look possible.

I remember him tearing Man Utd apart (not the challenge it once was). I also remember him frustrating in parts, often doing too much.

If we forget the price tag, then it's obvious that he's going to be a very good footballer. He'll get fans off their seats and he'll produce highlights.

But is highlights enough, Ernie?! For this price, I feel like I'd want more certainty that he's destined for great things. I can believe he is but not sure he's yet done enough on the pitch to make it look undeniable (in the way it was with Rooney, for example).

I'm certain he'll beat a few defenders and get us off our seats (which may seem like enough, given our recent lack of flair), but he'll have to improve a lot in other areas to justify this price. Hope he can do it but it's far from a foregone conclusion.

I was worried about us overpaying for potential, now I'm worried about Spurs pipping us to him.

With Maddison out for the season and Son leaving, they've got gaps to fill.

He is training on his own? He wants to join us... that's what I want to hear!

Bite the bullet on this one, Blues. I have changed my mind on this one, the lad is quality... If we can get the Grealish loan deal done too, then we're really going to do real damage to teams this season — including the "Big Boys".

But is £45M a big fee?

Sunderland and Burnley are shopping in the £20M to £30M zone. Brighton are spending £35M on teenagers from the Greek league (now that's a risk!).

Spurs are shopping in the £60M (+) zone. Man Utd are spending £70M on more proven players.

If fans think we cannot afford to take a £45M risk (all transfers are risks), then presumably the same fans see our peer group along the lines of the 3 promoted clubs plus probably Wolves and Brentford.

With limited game time, no one knows if he will be a Nathan Patterson or a Trent Arnold, Robert. Nathan was that bright hope when we signed him.

It's a flip of a coin, rather than a sure thing.

Knock your lights out and pay £45M and a contract obligation of another £25M+. But we are going to need to be sure he's in the squad, and not a problem we want rid of back to Southampton on loan in 2 years time!

A modern-day Kevin Davies from Southampton to Blackburn for £7M (and they gave them James Beattie for £1M the other way).

Transfers are about risk. And the risk is high on this one.

If it comes off, the upside is massive. If it doesn't, it will be a millstone for several years.

Where does the extra £25M come from?

I thought the reports are saying it is 25% of any future sell-on. Although that needs negotiating down if we are to sign him, there is a subtle difference, unless he was to go in future for £100M. Then that would be £25M.

But I would be playing as hard ball with them as they are with us.

The mention of Tottenham. If they were to enter, does anyone think Levy would be held to ransom by exaggerated demands? He's ruthless in negotiations and so should we be.

I was referring to wages, Danny, if it's my comment, mate.

Ian #182,

Patterson hadn't even managed to become first choice in the Scottish league.

I do take your point but Patterson is absolutely nothing like the same profile as Dibling.

Danny,

If we buy him for £50M and then sell him for £100M, our profit is £50M.

Then, it's 25% of the profit we'd make… so about £12.5M.

Fair one Ian. I've just seen a few interpreting the 25% figure as part of the sell-on in £s.

Wages are just part and parcel of any deal. For those who study these things, it would be interesting to see what wages enticed Branthwaite to sign his new contract.

Still need to talk that down and stick to our guns. Once we sell out, we'll be easy pickings for anyone else we try to sign.

Probably why I should stay out of these conversations, Rob.

Just an illustration, mate. Committing about £70M for someone with 3 goals and assists in 20 equivalent games is not for the faint-hearted and is a fair gamble by TFG in their first window.

Could be a Bale, could be a Walcott, or Oxlade Oxlade-Chamberlain. Southampton have form for selling emerging players. How many were great signings?

Ndiaye and Dibling on either wing will be the most balanced and exciting widemen since Limpar and Kanchelskis... and they can easily swap during games to keep things unpredictable.

£50M is a lot but, at 19, even if we don't get £100M in 3 years but he stays and plays for 12 years as a solid member of the squad who can cover various roles, it's a bargain when split per season.

Ian # 184, if we drop down to the £20m to £30m bracket then that is someone like Nuamah - about the same sort of standard as Sulemana who just joined Atalanta from Saints.

Or potentially a real worldy like Diomande age 18 who joined Leipzig from the Spanish 2nd division for about £18m.

Nuamah is fast and decent but (like Sulemana) likely to peak below Chsmpions Lesgue level. Diomande is way too inexperienced to play Prem games for a season or two.

Dibling is a rare one - a teenager able to play Prem games now, with Champions League quality and available to us.

Also to your question were Bale, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott success at Dpurs, Arsenal and Arsenal - the answer is yes.

Anyone seen the Gary Lineker podcast/episode with Russell Martin, after hearing him wax lyrical about Dibling, I really hope this comes off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VtojwIX2C0&t=3338s

People ITK say Dibling is a generational talent. I say, break the bank, stop arsing around, squeeze your cheeks, take it for king and country and get it sorted!!

Robert, but does Dibling have Champions League quality? Surely we can’t say that yet? He might in time but he might not.

There are players who cost a similar amount who have already shown they are CL level.

I have to agree with Ian. It’s a big gamble to pay that amount for potential that seems based as much on ex-manager interviews than stuff he’s actually done on the pitch.

How about Bakwa for £25m?!

Sam # 193, you are right of course. I think it is fair to say that Dibling has Champions League standard technical ability then. He is also a strong physical specimen who looks well suited to Premier League football.

I don’t believe Bakwa is in the same league - although he is a good player. He also looks a bit lightweight.

Robert, it’s true that Dibling looks to have the physique to make good use of his technical skills. But dribbling alone is not enough to make a top player and I’m not sure we’ve seen enough vision, passing range, ball striking, work rate etc to predict Dibling’s future with great confidence. Perhaps that unknown quantity is part of the allure. He could be the next Gareth Bale. But we both know many players don’t realise their full potential.

You know I’m a fan of Bakwa and though a little smaller than Dibling he’s a touch more explosive. His output in France was pretty impressive at only 22 last season and he was Strasbourg’s second best player after Santos who I know you like. I think he’d make a similar impact in the PL next season to Dibling for half the price. Maybe we’ll get to see as Forest seem keen on him and they’ve recruited some good wingers recently.

@_pauljoyce on Tyler Dibling: “Everton recognised last weekend that it’s a very difficult deal to do. Everton feel that it’s going to have to take Southampton to really climb down [on valuation] for it to get done, & I think they’ll be looking elsewhere.” #saintsfc @TimesSport

This is on the player now - who with every passing day seems to have transformed into a young Lionel Messi (minus the goals, assists and achievements).

Dibling needs to stick to his assertion that he wants to leave the club, make clear he will not sign a new contract when his current one expires on 2027 and state his preference for Everton (if that is correct).

If we learn nothing else from madcap Moshiri, set an upper ceiling on the transfer offer you will make for a player, make sure he is hungry and be clear why he is coming to the club.

This deal is the exciting one for me. We need to find a way of getting it done without looking like absolute mugs.

Some kind of restructuring that ends up being £50m all in without more add ons or the sell on.

From what I can tell, Southampton want a deal that will end up being more than £50m. Hopefully one of our genius transfer experts can convince them that they’ll get their £50m over time, but that’s an upper limit. My final move might be to agree to a 10% of profit sell-on beyond £50m.

Whoever this lad goes to, he will triple his wages.
If he is this good and thats questionable, Everton would not be in the race.
I have to say, I have only seen him on the TV highlights, Mof the Day, he may have played at Goodison last season, if he did, he never stoodout in the game.
For me, its getting Everton to finish up the league, which hopefully will make us more attractive for players to come to us, as for the future and for players having a sell on value, thats a long way off.

Martin @191. Thanks for the link. You've made my mind up with this. Sign him up Moyeso!

I'm at the point now on this where I recall the song "Take a chance, take a chance, take a chance on (me) him!"

I feel a little sympathy towards the Moshiri era

After decades of Kenwright, we all wanted a splurge on players and he duly accommodated us

He finally after decades and debacles (Kirkby aka Tesco stadium) was the messiah who built the new temple we craved

He brought us Ancelotti, James, Bernard and Allen and seen us to the top of the I tunes chart, that was an enjoyable few weeks on and off the pitch

We got Pickford, gana, Branthwaite and ndiaye under his watch

DCL, Doucoure and McNeil have been steady signings over the years, if not outstanding, Tarkowski was shrewd

Klassen was well thought of after a productive season with Ajax at home and in Europe.

Sigurdsson was well respected, well received and scored vital goals, Bolasie was exciting if a little lacking in end product. Bolasies Acl injury a couple months after signing was a catastrophe for him, sigurdsson well the less spoken about that the better tbh. Both things moshiri can’t foresee

Just like the Ukraine war and what was blatantly a major financial partner, if not shadow owner being sanctioned by our goverment or covid and a full season without vital gate receipts or crowds as we got some marquee names in.

Same for koeman the misery arse, at the time he joined, there wasn’t many who wasn’t happy with him after a solid season at Southampton

Martin L @ 191

Thanks for that link, hadn't seen it, have watched the clip about Tyler Dibling. Interesting what Russell Martin says about him and his future development and may answer the question as to why other clubs aren't in for him yet or don't publicly seem to be.

In my opinion, I feel Tyler Dibling will be looking for his next move to be a stepping stone to a much bigger club, a club where he has every chance to be a starter rather than sitting on the bench like he probably would do at Man City or Chelsea. If he is that good, he could end up being another potentially wasted talent if he ends up at one of the 'bigger' clubs to begon with.

Danny mentioned on another post that he might be looking at a club closer to his family home at Southampton which I agree with.

I'll be surprised if he comes to us. We would need to put a structure in place behind the scenes to make him feel at home.

If we get him, I can see him leaving in a few years time unless we've suddenly become world beaters and I am not surprised that Southampton want a decent deal with potential to benefit from any sell ons.

Also, Russell Martin talks alot of sense and will I think given the right set of players be a decent manager..

Martin M, 202.

Much too sensible a post!

Ian (204) Not only too sensible but very accurate fact wise in my opinion, Moshiri giving Kenwright the money to spend was like giving a box of matches to an arsonist!

What are you proposing, Ian? Should we buy his granny so she can butter his toast and tuck him in at night?

I can see where you are coming from. It’s just symptomatic with these young, pampered players. They should be put in a B&B with some old biddy to make them breakfast and lay down the law ie curfews and no female visitors after 6pm.

We’ll look after him if he comes. Moyesy will get Morag to knit him a jumper and some socks.

Colin, those ideas are interesting. The only thing with buying the granny is that Southampton would need a percentage of any sell on and that's getting a bit murky!

I was thinking more of making him live in a soundproofed room, no wifi at home so he can't see the comments about him on social media and especially those on ToffeeWeb and restrict his screen time to only 5 minutes outside his home on an old Nokia...😀

He’d take us to court, Ian. Human rights and all that😉

I will be disappointed if we fail to sign Dibling.
He’s the kind of player to get the crowd on their feet. Very exciting-fast can beat a man- just what we need.
A great prospect. Far better than hard working, dour, back tracking dull players.
Let’s go for it- take a chance.

These English players must be very fragile if they can't handle a move from down south to up north!

Alcaraz is only 22 and has played in four different countries with four different languages across two continents. I am sure Dibling will manage to move a few hundred miles from his family with just a correction of the English language to cope with.

Ian 204, I apologise, f4#k Moshiri the absolute clueless billionaire, it was all blatantly obvious and he failed to account for it all

Will Still has confirmed his player's head is not right so he won't be playing for Southampton tomorrow.

I wonder will Will Still still be saying this this time next week though?

Lol - Very good that, Kevin.

We’ve pulled out of this deal and are now targeting Abdul Fatawu from Leicester

Fatawu - Lineker raves about him. He’s quality and would slot in much quicker than Dibling.

Highly rated. Just back from injury and will probably go afcon.

Probably half the cost of dibbling.

Alan Myers Jake

Alan is loathe to commit to rumours these days, so that’s significant.
I’d love it if we binned Southampton off at this stage.

Ian, Ghana failed to qualify for this year's AFCon so it's not an issue this year