Southampton appear to have a rising star in 18-year-old Tyler Dibling, who has impressed everyone who’s watched him this season. Manager Russell Martin has been careful not to overburden Dibling, but his standout performances from the bench led to a starting role in the recent defeat to Manchester United.
In that 12:30 pm kick-off broadcast live on TNT Sports, Dibling showcased his potential. He was Southampton’s most dangerous player, winning a penalty after outpacing Diogo Dalot, who brought him down. Although Cameron Archer missed the spot-kick and Southampton ultimately lost 3-0, Dibling’s display highlighted that he is ready to be a regular Premier League starter. He is now expected to feature in the crucial match against Ipswich Town this weekend.
There are growing concerns that Southampton may struggle to keep Dibling, with Manchester United reportedly showing interest in the talented teenager. Southampton are looking to offer Dibling a new contract, as his current deal sees him earning £5,000 per week. The club hopes this will fend off interest from suitors looking to secure him at a bargain price.
According to *Give Me Sport*, Manchester United have the 18-year-old on their radar, with Sporting Director Dan Ashworth keen on the player. Ashworth previously attempted to sign Dibling during his time at Newcastle and remains an admirer. While United have yet to make a formal move, their interest persists.
However, Dibling risks stalling his progress if he opts to leave Southampton too soon in his career. The Saints will be hoping to tie him down to a new deal to continue his development on the south coast.
It’s hard to deny that Southampton is the ideal environment for Dibling at this point in his career. At just 18, he’s playing Premier League football under a manager who believes in him and is known for developing young talent—something he likely wouldn’t experience at a club as big as United.
Manager Russell Martin called Dibling a “special talent” before the 5-3 Carabao Cup second-round victory, in which Dibling contributed two assists.
After Dibling’s brief appearance against Everton in the Carabao Cup, Martin remarked, “I want to be cautious because in this country, we tend to elevate players too quickly and then take pleasure when they fall short of expectations. The fact that he’s playing at 18 tells you how much faith we have in him and the abilities we trust him with.”
Martin continued, “We have high expectations of Tyler, but we also give him a lot of support. He’s exceptionally gifted, and if he stays focused on listening, growing, and improving, I believe he’ll reach an elite level.”
Southampton will be eager for Dibling to sign his upcoming contract, allowing everyone to focus on the game as the young attacking midfielder becomes central to their survival hopes despite his youth.
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