The Potential Crystal Palace Southampton Swap Deal That Could affect Everton
Everton’s pursuit of a rising Southampton star could be on the verge of collapse, with Crystal Palace now emerging as serious contenders to hijack the move. The Eagles, buoyed by recent success and a growing need for fresh attacking talent, are weighing up a creative transfer approach that could leave the Toffees frustrated.
Palace’s Ambitions After Historic Triumph
Earlier this year, Crystal Palace etched their name into the history books by lifting the FA Cup under manager Oliver Glasner. The victory not only brought silverware to Selhurst Park but also secured them a place in the Europa Conference League, ensuring that the South Londoners face a more demanding fixture calendar this season.
With Thursday-night European football on top of domestic competitions, squad depth and rotation have become a top priority. Glasner is keen to avoid burnout among his key players and knows that reinforcements are needed if Palace are to compete on multiple fronts.
The Eagles have started the new Premier League campaign on solid footing, grinding out a disciplined 0-0 draw away at Chelsea. Their resilience at Stamford Bridge has given fans encouragement, and attention has now quickly shifted to strengthening the squad before the transfer window closes.
Palace Join the Race for Tyler Dibling
According to GiveMeSport, Palace are eyeing Southampton’s teenage sensation Tyler Dibling, a player who has also been on Everton’s radar. With Eberechi Eze edging closer to a blockbuster switch to Arsenal, Glasner and the club’s recruitment team view Dibling as a natural replacement who could inject both creativity and youthful energy into the attack.
At just 19 years old, Dibling is regarded as one of the Championship’s brightest young prospects. He has already enjoyed a rapid rise through Southampton’s ranks, making 43 senior appearances and scoring four goals since breaking through under former Saints boss Russell Martin—now in charge at Rangers. His versatility, close control, and eye for goal make him a player who excites fans and keeps defenders on edge.
The England youth international’s stock has risen considerably, and Southampton face a fight to keep him, particularly after their relegation from the Premier League. While Everton are pushing to bring him to Goodison Park, Palace’s interest adds another twist to what is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer battles.
Why Dibling Fits Palace’s Project
For Palace, securing Dibling would represent both a short-term boost and a long-term investment. The teenager could step into Eze’s shoes while also providing competition across multiple attacking roles. His arrival would also signal that the club intends to continue building a team filled with young, hungry talent capable of challenging England’s elite.
Supporters would also relish his flair and unpredictability—qualities that mirror those of Eze, Wilfried Zaha in his prime, and Michael Olise. Adding Dibling would ensure Palace maintain their reputation as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking outfits.
The Swap Deal That Could Swing the Move
Southampton, however, are under no pressure to sell cheaply. Manager Will Still, who took charge following their relegation, is tasked with guiding the Saints back to the top flight and knows Dibling is central to those plans. Yet the financial realities of Championship football mean the club may have to compromise if a strong offer arrives.
Crystal Palace could therefore propose a player-plus-cash deal to tempt the Saints into negotiations. One name reportedly under consideration is Romain Esse, a 20-year-old winger signed from Millwall last season.
Esse, though highly rated, has struggled to break into Glasner’s first team, featuring just nine times and scoring once. He was an unused substitute in Palace’s league opener against Chelsea, hinting that he may not be in the manager’s immediate plans. A move to Southampton, either permanently or on loan, could revive his career, offering him regular minutes in a competitive but less pressurised environment.
Esse’s proven pedigree at Millwall—66 appearances and seven goals before his Premier League switch—suggests he has the tools to succeed at Championship level. For Southampton, bringing him in as part of a deal could soften the blow of losing Dibling, while also strengthening their promotion push.
Everton Left Frustrated?
For Everton, the news will come as a bitter blow. The Toffees, still rebuilding under Sean Dyche, view Dibling as a player who could play a big role in their long-term project. Missing out on the youngster—particularly to a direct Premier League rival like Palace—would be a setback for their recruitment drive and could increase pressure on the club to find alternatives before the deadline.
What Next for Southampton and Palace?
Southampton have started life back in the Championship positively, opening with a dramatic win over Wrexham before earning a solid draw away at Ipswich Town. Their next test sees them face in-form Stoke City, a clash that will further test Still’s credentials.
For Palace, attention now turns to their weekend fixture against Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park. But behind the scenes, transfer talks are expected to intensify. If Glasner’s side can pull off a swap-plus-cash deal for Dibling, it would not only strengthen their squad but also send a clear message of intent to both their Premier League rivals and their European opponents.
The coming days could therefore prove decisive—not just for Palace and Southampton, but also for Everton, who may be forced to watch from the sidelines as a prized target slips through their grasp.