18 year old Tyler Dibling has been one of the shining lights of the Premier League season – and that’s especially true for Southampton, where nothing is going right apart from the emergence of the young winger.
His brilliant displays are leading to lots of major teams being linked with a transfer move for him, and CaughtOffside today put Chelsea in the mix with Man U, Newcastle, Tottenham West Ham and Aston Villa.
Sources have told them that Saints don’t want to sell their new crown jewel.
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A couple of years ago, Dibling signed for Chelsea’s youth team, before returning to Saints just a few months later due to homesickness. It’s proved to be a good move, as Southampton gave him a professional debut just a year later as a 17 year old and have used him regularly in the Premier League this year.
Tyler Dibling in action for Southampton (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Tyler Dibling in action for Southampton (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Young talent must think very carefully before making another risky move
In a way a move back to Chelsea just feels silly because of the context. But, sillier things happen in football all the time.
The real question is not actually to do with Chelsea or with Southampton – it’s all down to Dibling.
Does he feel like he’s matured and is now ready to step out of his comfort zone? Or does he want to stay and potentially be a local hero? The fact that they’re going to be relegated makes the decision even harder.
Given how he’s flourishing there now, it would seem a mad decision to leave again so soon. If he continues to shine for another couple of years, perhaps he’ll feel ready to test the waters again. But most breakout 18 year olds are best served staying put and developing a little before they make their big move, and that feels especially true for Tyler given his history.