Tottenham Hotspur believe they can secure Southampton’s 19-year-old prodigy Tyler Dibling for under half of his £100 million valuation this summer.
Fotnet24.net understands that Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy are quietly confident about hijacking a high-profile transfer by paying significantly less than the £100 million tag placed on Southampton’s rising star. Spurs have been tracking the versatile attacker all season and now reckon they can agree terms at a fee closer to £45 million, including add-ons.
Dibling has emerged as one of the Saints’ brightest performers, featuring in 34 matches this campaign. The 19-year-old midfielder has contributed four goals and provided three assists, showcasing his adaptability across the front line. His blend of pace, technique and vision has marked him out as a genuine talent ready for a bigger stage.
Interest in Dibling has surged, with several leading Premier League clubs monitoring his progress. However, Spurs appear to have moved ahead of rivals by opening preliminary negotiations. The north London club’s recruitment team believe that once formal talks begin, the price demands will soften significantly.
Tottenham draw confidence from similar past deals. In July 2023, they secured the signature of 28-year-old midfielder James Maddison for £40 million following Leicester City’s relegation. Spurs executives argue that Dibling’s fee should align with that precedent—around £45 million plus performance-related clauses—rather than the six-figure sum initially mooted.
Southampton remain insistent on retaining Dibling, banking on the loyalty he showed after rejoining the club following a spell at Chelsea’s academy. The Saints’ board value him at £100 million and hope his bond with supporters will persuade him to stay. Dibling himself has expressed gratitude to Southampton for providing his pathway to the Premier League.
Despite that loyalty, the departure of 39-year-old coach Russell Martin has influenced Dibling’s thinking. The young midfielder was close to Martin’s coaching team, and with that relationship dissolved, he is now ready to test himself elsewhere. Sources say the timing feels right for a bold career move.
Down Tyneside, Newcastle United maintain a watching brief but are no longer the frontrunners they once were. The Magpies have been impressed by their own 29-year-old winger, Jacob Murphy, who has registered nine goals and 12 assists in 36 appearances this season. That productivity has eased pressure on the club’s scouting team to make a marquee right-wing signing.
Newcastle could also pivot towards Antoine Semenyo, the 25-year-old Ghana international capable of operating on either flank. His dynamic style has attracted attention, and the Magpies may prioritise his recruitment over a deal for Dibling, whom they still admire.
Manchester United and Manchester City remain admirers of Dibling, but their summer agendas differ. United’s technical director has a thorough understanding of the youngster’s profile, yet their primary target is a proven number nine and a new playmaking option. Meanwhile, City continue to back their own academy graduates before pursuing external talent at right wing.
With the transfer window approaching, all eyes will be on how negotiations unfold. Tottenham hope to secure a headline-making coup by landing Dibling for a fraction of his valuation, setting a benchmark for savvy business in the Premier League.
