Everton seal £35m deal for Southampton starlet Tyler Dibling

Everton have completed the signing of Tyler Dibling from Southampton in a deal worth an initial £35m, with a further £5m in add-ons.

The 19-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year contract until June 2029, becoming David Moyes’ eighth summer recruit as the Toffees continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

Dibling, capped twice by England Under-21s, broke through at Southampton as a 17-year-old in August 2023 and has since made 44 senior appearances, scoring four goals.

Predominantly a left-footed winger who can operate from the right flank or in central attacking roles, he is regarded as one of England’s brightest young talents.

Speaking to Everton’s official website, Dibling described the move as a “perfect fit.”

“Obviously with the new stadium, the fans here are unreal, and it has a family feel to it. I think it was the perfect match and a no-brainer to join,” he said.

The teenager, who will wear the No. 20 shirt, revealed Moyes’ reputation for nurturing young players played a key role in his decision.

“I think the manager is perfect for me. He’s helped so many players before who were in my position. My aim this season is just to play as many games as I can and to help the team with goals and assists.”

Moyes praised the acquisition as part of Everton’s long-term rebuild:

“Tyler is a talented young English player with lots of potential. He adds to our attacking options and we will support him in his development. We are eager to build a team Evertonians can enjoy watching and be proud of, and Tyler can help us achieve that.”

Former Everton and Southampton winger Theo Walcott welcomed the transfer, calling it a “good deal” for both player and club.

“When you play for Everton you have to run. He worked hard in a poor Southampton team, but this is a different kind of pressure. I do think he’ll thrive at the new stadium — it’s a really good move.”

Analysis: Bargain or overhyped?

Dibling arrives at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a reputation that has fluctuated wildly in the past year.

Such was his early impact at Southampton, he was labelled a “generational talent” and linked with a £100m move to Premier League heavyweights last January.

But following a dip in form during the second half of the campaign, Everton have snapped him up for a fee significantly below that figure.

The teenager’s inconsistency towards the end of last season coincided with managerial upheaval at St Mary’s.

After Russell Martin — the coach who handed Dibling his debut and encouraged his attacking instincts — was sacked in December, Southampton shifted to a more defensive approach under Ivan Juric and Simon Rusk, a system ill-suited to his style.

With just two Premier League goals and no assists in 2024/25, Dibling remains very much a signing based on potential rather than immediate output.

His contract situation — with only two years remaining — also contributed to Southampton lowering their valuation.

Still, the raw talent is undeniable and Moyes can provide the right environment and style, Everton may have secured one of English football’s brightest prospects at a fraction of the price touted just months ago.

For Everton,, the signing fits into a broader strategy, with David Moyes tasked with blending experienced signings with emerging young talent as the club start a new era at its new Hill Dickinson Stadium in Bramley-Moore Dock, Dibling represents both an investment in the future and a statement of ambition.

If he settles in quickly, he could prove to be one of the bargains of the window — but if his form falters, questions will be asked about whether he was overhyped too soon.