What happened to Everton's £40m signing Dibling?

Breaking news from the world of sport: What happened to Everton's £40m signing Dibling? Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Everton paid Southampton £40m for Tyler Dibling but the youngster has hardly featured this season By Phil McNulty Chief football writer Published 14 minutes ago When a £100m price tag was attached to Tyler Dibling as speculation raged about his future at Southampton, the youngster admitted it became a running joke among his team-mates. It was an indication, however, of just how highly rated the lavishly gifted Dibling had become in a Southampton side that was doomed to relegation long before the end of last season.

When Dibling did eventually move, following links to Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leipzig among others, it was to Everton in a £40m deal that made him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history. Dibling was hailed as a generational talent who would become a central component in Everton 's new era at their magnificent Hill Dickinson Stadium under manager David Moyes in his second spell at the club. Former Southampton manager Russell Martin shared that view as he said: "When I was there I had to play it down a lot and not make things more difficult for him, but he is the most talented player I've ever worked with.

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" Instead, the 20-year-old has had a transitional season spent largely in the wilderness at Everton , starting only four Premier League games and six in total, Dibling's action totalling 513 minutes. Dibling was overlooked when Jack Grealish, whose own socks down, dribbling style drew comparisons between the pair, suffered a season-ending foot injury. And Dwight McNeil, who Everton were prepared to sell to Crystal Palace until a late hitch scuppered the deal, has since been chosen ahead of him.

So what has led to the curious disappearance of Dibling and what does the future hold? Image source, Alamy Image caption, Everton manager David Moyes is prepared to bide his time and nurture young talent like Dibling At Everton and beyond, Dibling's future is still regarded as bright, not just at club level but also potentially at England level. Football Association sources reveal how highly Dibling is regarded by England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley, who has made him a regular as they aim to retain the European Championship title they won in 2023.

He is considered a key part of Carsley's plans, with both his talent and attitude greatly admired inside the set-up. In 2025-26, he has started three England Under-21 games and been involved in six, playing a total of 261 minutes. Dibling is an introverted character, and while Everton might have wanted more from his first campaign, there are no questions about his future.

It was always felt it might take time for a youngster moving away from his home in Southampton to settle in the north. Moyes is certainly not panicking, although he now insists he wants Dibling to improve. He will not be in the starting line-up for Monday night's home game against Manchester City .

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.