“I keep hearing”-Update dropped as Spurs push to sign PL star
Tottenham Hotspur believe that young Southampton talent Tyler Dibling would be open to joining them if they were to table a formal offer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. The North London club are closely monitoring the teenager’s situation and are currently weighing up whether to make a renewed push for his signature.
Southampton, meanwhile, are preparing for another busy summer transfer window as they aim to replicate the financial success they achieved the last time they were relegated to the Championship. Back then, the Saints managed to generate nine-figure income through player sales, and they’re hoping to repeat that feat in 2025—particularly through the sales of their most prized English talents.
Among those top assets is 19-year-old Dibling, an exciting and versatile midfielder who has been linked with several of the Premier League’s elite clubs. While early reports claimed Southampton had slapped a staggering £100 million valuation on the youngster—a figure that would single-handedly fulfil chairman Dragan Šolak’s lofty financial goals—more recent updates from the Daily Echo suggest a more realistic price tag of around £50 million.
Despite the hefty valuation, Tottenham remain firmly interested. According to Football Insider, Spurs already tested Southampton’s resolve in January with a £35 million bid, which was swiftly rejected. However, the North London club have not been deterred and remain optimistic about their chances of securing Dibling, especially given indications that the player himself is keen on a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs Eyeing £40 Million Swoop
Journalist Ben Jacobs provided fresh insight on the potential transfer during an appearance on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, noting that Tottenham may be prepared to match the £40 million fee they paid for James Maddison after Leicester City’s relegation in 2023. That figure could prove to be within Southampton’s revised valuation, giving Spurs a potential opening.
“Tyler Dibling is a name I keep hearing in the context of Tottenham’s transfer plans, especially because he’s seen as a dynamic, versatile attacking option,” Jacobs explained. “There’s been a lot of talk about a £100 million price tag, but from what I’m hearing, that’s more posturing than reality. Tottenham believe they are leading the race and are now considering whether to make an official move.”
Jacobs added that the Spurs hierarchy feels confident that, should they decide to act, Dibling would be enthusiastic about the transfer. “The sense at Tottenham is that the player wants to join. The hesitation comes from the second half of last season where Dibling’s minutes dropped off, which has raised some questions internally. But if they go for it, they’re confident he’d say yes.”
Southampton In No Rush to Sell
Although interest is mounting, Southampton are in no rush to part ways with their emerging star. The club is in a strong negotiating position thanks to Dibling’s long-term contract, which runs until the summer of 2027. That contract security allows the Saints to play hardball in negotiations, especially with Premier League clubs circling around their top talent.
The Saints have already gained a reputation this summer for being tough negotiators, setting high price tags and refusing to be bullied in the transfer market. While right-back Kyle Walker-Peters has been linked with a potential switch to Brighton & Hove Albion, most of the club’s key players—including Dibling—are locked into lengthy deals, giving the club considerable leverage.
Even if a move does not materialize, Southampton would still benefit from retaining Dibling for the upcoming Championship campaign. The teenager could play a vital role in the club’s bid to secure an immediate return to the Premier League. Either outcome—cashing in on a major transfer or keeping a top talent to aid their promotion fight—would be seen as a win for the Saints.
As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on whether Spurs choose to test Southampton’s resolve once again, and whether Dibling could be the next young star to make a big move to North London.