Report: Everton identify wonderkid wide option as summer rebuild continues

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16 hours ago

Everton Eye Southampton's Dibling Amid Ongoing Recruitment Drive
Focus on Youth Drives Everton's Transfer Strategy
Everton's interest in Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, as reported by The Times' Paul Joyce, reflects a clear strategic shift under David Moyes — one aimed at youthful potential and long-term growth. The 19-year-old, who scored four goals in 43 appearances last season, has become a target as the Blues attempt to replenish their wide options following several high-profile departures.
Dibling's technical ability and composure on the ball were rare bright spots during a tough season for Southampton, and Will Still, the Saints boss, is keen to keep him. 'His flashes of skill provided a shaft of positivity at Southampton,' Joyce notes, highlighting why Everton's recruitment team have been keeping tabs on the teenager.
Transfer Frustrations Mount Despite £45m Outlay
Everton's summer business has not been without setbacks. Having missed out on prime targets like Francisco Conceição — who joined Juventus in a £26.5 million deal — and Johan Bakayoko, now of RB Leipzig, frustrations in the transfer market are understandable.
Takefusa Kubo was another name that fizzled out due to Real Sociedad's high asking price. These failed pursuits reinforce the strategy Joyce outlines: 'Recruiting players on an upward trajectory as opposed to spending £50 million on a single talent.'
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To date, Moyes has invested approximately £45 million, including £27 million for Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, and permanent moves for Charly Alcaraz and Mark Travers. Yet the squad remains light — a consequence of exits like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Ashley Young.
Dibling Among Youth Prospects Everton Are Targeting
With the window open until 1st September, Dibling joins a list of names Everton are pursuing to bolster depth and future-proof the squad. Other reported targets include Bayern Munich left back Adam Aznou, 19. It's clear that Moyes is building a team for both now and later.
The urgency is also evident in the makeup of the club's current tour squad in the USA. With Jarrad Branthwaite recovering from a minor injury and Tyler Onyango only present due to thin numbers before heading to Stockport on loan, the need for reinforcements is glaring.
Recruitment Likely to Run Until Deadline Day
Everton's recruitment push looks set to go down to the wire. The lack of senior cover and the reliance on youth players during pre-season underlines the pressure Moyes faces. With Dibling high on the radar, his development and affordability may yet make him the right fit in a summer where calculated spending takes precedence.
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From an Everton fan's perspective, Tyler Dibling's link to the club offers a welcome signal that the recruitment team are serious about long-term planning — but there's also a natural hesitation. While the teenager's flashes of ability were noted during Southampton's Championship campaign, four goals in 43 games isn't exactly prolific. There's clear promise, but fans will rightly ask: is he Premier League-ready?
Given Everton's wide issues last season — with a lack of consistent creativity and pace on the flanks — Dibling might represent potential more than instant impact. But this reflects Moyes's new blueprint. The likes of Conceição and Bakayoko were obvious upgrades but came at a price Everton currently can't match. Dibling fits the profile: young, available, and mouldable.
There's also a broader concern among the fanbase: for all the talk of youth and upward trajectories, the squad still looks paper-thin. Losing figures like Doucouré and Calvert-Lewin leaves massive gaps, and while Barry and Alcaraz are intriguing additions, fans are cautious about whether enough Premier League experience is being retained.
The hope is that Moyes and the recruitment staff have done their homework — and that Dibling, if signed, becomes more than just a depth option. There's excitement, but it comes with caveats. If this is the direction of travel, patience will be key — but so will be results, especially early in the season.