Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are reportedly ready to battle Everton in the race for Southampton star Tyler Dibling.
Everton’s pursuit of Tyler Dibling is at risk of collapsing as Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have now entered the race to sign the Southampton winger, sources have revealed to Football Insider.
Once valued at £100 million in January, Southampton are now willing to accept offers between £45–50 million, a figure that could still prove too steep for the Toffees, especially with Bundesliga clubs circling and offering European football as a carrot.
Bundesliga giants enter the fray as Southampton brace for bidding war
Dibling, 19, has been earmarked by Everton boss David Moyes as a key attacking target after hitting multiple roadblocks with primary options this summer. But the Merseyside club now face stiff competition from two of Germany’s biggest talent incubators in Dortmund and Leipzig.
Both Bundesliga clubs are known for nurturing young, high-upside players into world-class stars, a proven platform that may entice Dibling, especially with the Saints now preparing to cash in on their prized asset.
“It’s clear Dibling wants to play at the highest possible level,” senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed on the Inside Track podcast. He added, “If the right offers arrive, Southampton may not be able to resist, even if it means letting him leave to Europe.”
Unlike Everton, Borussia Dortmund can offer European football on top of an environment that is proven in terms of player development. The Black and Yellows have the means to help Dibling reach the next level, something several English players like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham have made the most of in recent years.
Dibling move likely beyond Everton’s means
Despite identifying Dibling as a long-term successor to Jack Grealish-type wide creativity, Everton’s current financial landscape complicates matters. Their recent £50 million outlay, capped by the arrival of Bayern Munich’s Adam Aznou, leaves little room for another marquee buy in the same bracket.
Former Man United scout Mick Brown confirmed the issue, saying, “Everton simply can’t afford to dedicate the bulk of their budget to Dibling when more pressing needs remain. If German sides come in strong, they’ll be priced out.”
There is no doubting Dibling’s ceiling. Those close to the deal believe the player could explode in the right environment, and whoever secures his signature will be landing a prospect capable of top-level impact.
But for Everton, the pursuit now looks like more of a transfer distraction than a realistic possibility. Unless Southampton significantly drop their asking price or Everton offload fringe assets quickly the Toffees might have to watch yet another promising talent flourish abroad.