Tyler Dibling responds to emotional message as Southampton exit confirmed
Tyler Dibling has responded to a heartfelt message after a Southampton exit was confirmed as they prepare to return to the Championship.
Southampton’s 2024/25 campaign could not have gone much worse, as they failed to put up a fight to stay in the Premier League, but Dibling’s emergence was a highlight in an otherwise dismal season.
The 19-year-old winger broke through to register four goals and three assists in 38 games in his first full season as a Saints regular, and Football Insider revealed before the January window that Southampton were considering offers between £20-30million for Dibling amid interest from Newcastle United.
He continued to shine in the second-half of the campaign, despite their overall woes, and Football Insider revealed earlier in the summer that Liverpool, Man City, Man United and Spurs are all interested in signing the young Saints star.
Former scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Crystal Palace have entered the race to sign Dibling too, and he has now reacted to an emotional statement following an exit ahead of the new campaign.
Jan Bednarek leaves Southampton with emotional message
Southampton have already moved to let Kyle Walker-Peters leave at the end of his contract following relegation, and now another Saints stalwart has departed prior to their return to the second-tier.
The club announced the departure of Polish international Jan Bednarek on Instagram on Monday (29 July), after eight years on the south coast, saying: “Wishing you all the best, Jan. Subject to international clearance, Jan Bednarek has completed a transfer to (FC Porto).”
The 29-year-old has joined the Portuguese giants for a fee of €7.5million (£6.5m) [O Jogo], and he penned an emotional message to Saints supporters following his confirmed departure, saying: “Today marks the end of a truly special chapter in my life. After 8 unforgettable years, it’s time to say goodbye to Southampton. Over 250 games in red and white – it’s hard to put into words what that means to me. I want to thank all the managers, coaches, teammates, staff, and especially the fans. Your support through the highs and lows meant the world to me.
“Southampton wasn’t just a club – it became my home. A place where I grew not only as a footballer but as a person. I’ll carry the memories, friendships, and lessons with me forever. Thank you for everything. You’ll always have a place in my heart.”
Bednarek’s post was liked by Dibling, who could soon follow him out of the St Mary’s exit door, while Walker-Peters, Joe Aribo, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Mario Lemina, Jakub Kiwior and Pierre-Emile Hojberg were among those who followed suit.
Dibling should stay with Southampton for another year
Football Insider verdict
It can be easy to assume that Dibling would be better off leaving Southampton, given his talent and potential to improve even further, but the fact he has not yet departed this summer does hint at him potentially remaining at the club for another campaign.
His ability to glide past defenders with ease and calmness on the ball is unmatched by many at his age in the Premier League, but the speculation around him does seem to have died down in recent weeks, and so he could well be planning to extend his stay with the Saints.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 43 | 4 | 3 |
A term in the Championship would likely do him good, as while the quality is much less, the physicality is higher and he would definitely benefit from getting stronger and tougher in the tackle if he does want to become a regular at the top of the game in the near future.
The Times reported in March that St Mary’s chiefs had placed a £100million price tag on the winger, but former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider there is no chance any top-flight clubs will pay £100million to sign Dibling, and so the Saints’ hefty valuation could be putting teams off a move.
It remains to be seen whether interest from Premier League clubs turns into a concrete approach to sign him before the summer window slams shut, and while he will likely leave if that does become a reality, it would certainly not be the end of the world if he stayed to compete at the top of the second-tier for another season under a highly-rated young manager in Will Still.