Season › 2024-25 › News Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall close to joining, Everton submit new bid for Tyler Dibling Anjishnu Roy 04/08/2025 306comments | Jump to last Everton have reached an agreement with Chelsea for midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, according to an exclusive by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. "Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Everton, here we go! Permanent deal agreed with Chelsea and player side. Understand the fee is worth £25m fixed plus add-ons up to £28/29m total package," he wrote on Twitter. When the deal is made official, Dewsbury-Hall will become the fourth new arrival this summer following striker Thierno Barry, goalkeeper Mark Travers and full-back Adam Aznou. Patrick Boyland and Simon Johnson of The Athletic had earlier reported that Everton were involved in talks with Chelsea over the transfer of the 26-year-old midfielder. Dewsbury-Hall made 31 appearances across all competitions for Enzo Maresca’s side in his debut campaign following his move from Leicester City. Although used sparingly in the Premier League, where he featured in just 13 matches, he appeared in every single game of Chelsea’s title-winning Conference League run and also racked up four goals. Meanwhile, Everton are also desperate to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton and have submitted a third offer for the 19-year-old winger. David Ornstein reported in The Athletic that the bid is in the region of £40million, including add-ons, and although the Saints are yet to respond to the offer, they are seeking a higher fee for their young talent. According to Paul Joyce of The Times, this is the third bid from the Toffees for Dibling after they saw two previous offers - a first bid of around £27m and a second in the region of £35m towards the end of last week - turned down. Meanwhile, Sky Sports News reported that the Saints have also rejected the recently tabled third offer for the winger, but that information is yet to be verified by more sources. The 19-year-old, who broke through in the Premier League last season, has a contract with the Saints until 2027 and has also courted interest from several clubs in England. Dibling is keen on returning to the top-flight after getting relegated with Southampton in 2024/25. After making 38 appearances across all competitions last season, he scored four goals and provided three assists and has racked up 43 total appearances for the Saints so far. This could be a pivotal week when it comes to transfers. Manager David Moyes also spoke about how he expects deals to be completed this week after Everton drew 2-2 with Manchester United in the final match of their Premier League Summer Series campaign in the United States. Reader Comments (306) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Kevin Molloy 1 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:37:58 just watched Tyler Dibling's showreel. Reminds me of Matt le Tissier. I'm thinking we should just pay the money. Mike Gaynes 2 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:39:03 So Sky Sports is considered unreliable?What “more reliable sources” should we be expecting confirmation from? Annika Herbert 3 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:39:54 Would be good if we could get both these deals over the line. Although it does appear our latest bid for Dibling has been rejected.I quite like Dewsbury-Hall too, he looked a real prospect when at Leicester but never seemed to break into the Chelsea side.But they would be 2 good signings if Everton can make it happen Steve Brown 5 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:42:22 Lets not go all “peak Moshiri in the Glyfi Sigurddson bidding saga” on this.If we have bid £40 million including add-ons and been rejected, we should not go higher.I would rather we signed a pacey right winger as our wide players are slow. This lad is not quick. Joe McMahon 6 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:44:48 Agreed Steve. I want us to walk away from Dibling. We cannot get shafted yet again. Kevin Molloy 7 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:48:08 Senator, this aint no Gylfi Sigurdsson.We need to get in there right now before he gets snapped up. After his first couple of games the first question on MOTD will be 'why didn't anyone else go in for him'. Ian Bennett 8 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:48:25 Id sooner go for kubo if we are paying top dollar. We don't have the squad to wait 3-4 years for the lad to come good. Frank Crewe 9 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:48:26 Apparently our latest bid for Dibling involve add-ons. So what are realistic add-ons that a selling club could expect us to do so that they would get their money. Not getting relegated? Top 10 finish? Win a cup? A percentage of any sell on fee? This is Everton's problem. After the last few seasons dodging the drop selling clubs want the cash up front. I doubt they'll entertain add-ons from us. Brian Harrison 10 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:50:26 I would hope out of the 2 we get Dibling, I think the kid is good on the ball can go past people and scores goals and is still only 19. Not convinced about Dewsbury Hall, he has obviously struggled to get into the Chelsea side and he didn't impress me that much when he was at Leicester. With their spending Chelsea are desperate to unload squad players, maybe a loan with a view to possibly signing at the end of the season. The £30m being quoted looks a lot for a back up midfield player. Ryan Holroyd 11 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:51:00 If Dibling signs people will be shocked how good he is. Ian Bennett 12 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:51:04 They can have Patterson. That's my add-on take! Andrew Ellams 14 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:52:07 Frank @9, it will probably be made up of appearance bonuses. So every 25 appearance say we have to pay another £1m Martin Berry 15 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:52:25 Dibling not quick ? I must have been watching a different showreel !Its his pace and strength allied to close control that gets him past players. Added to the fact he is just 19, he could be unplayable in a couple of years time, a real get your backside of the seat player.Fingers crossed ( and other things) as excruciating as it can be. Iain Johnston 16 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:52:53 They offered £35m plus £8m in add ons for Dibley. Soton have knocked it back. They'll hit reality when they realise they're an EFL team struggling to regain promotion then flog him for £20m. Ipswich are the same. Burnley fell into the same trap when they knocked back £40m from Chelsea for McNeil.Personally I don't know what they're playing at. We could agree a combined £35m for both Fellows & Hackney today... job done. Just like Ndaiye their value will then treble and we'll be the one's knocking back stupid bids for them. Anjishnu Roy 17 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:54:00 (8) Ian, I completely agree with you. Southampton's valuation of Dibling is crazy and if Everton are paying a premium, I'd much rather prefer it to be a proven international with qualities like Kubo rather than betting on potential, as talented as Dibling might be.The right flank is one position in the starting XI where we need immediate impact. Andy Meighan 18 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:54:24 Anyone doubting the value of this kid Dibling is talking absolute nonsense. The kid is special and someone will snap him up and get a bargain. James Newcombe 19 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:55:22 Maybe the player needs to make some ‘noise if he wants the move. I really hope we can make it happen.Landing Dibling could be a strong sign to other young talent. Namely that joining Everton and playing every week is a better move than warming the bench elsewhere (or falling into the Chelsea black hole). That said, the prices this window are nothing short of ridiculous. I remember saying this when Andy Cole moved for £7m! Where will it end? Dave Lynch 20 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:56:37 Dewsbury Hall confirmed pending medical. Steve Brown 21 Posted 04/08/2025 at 14:57:41 Dewsbury-Hall is a good signing.Now a right back, right winger, No.6 and party boy Jack Grealish. Derek Knox 22 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:05:07 Dewsbury-Hall will do for me, a kick in the Dewsbury-Halls if we don't get Dibling and/or Kubo!Also has a good chance of experienced passing to a Blue Shirt !Nurse where's that Bruised Balls Cream? Ian Bennett 24 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:06:15 Dewsbury-Hall is a nice enough footballer, but is very similar in build/style to James Garner. A body… but I can't say I am excited by this. Is he the difference to help win a cup or start winning at Top 6? I don't think he will make much of a difference. Andrew Ellams 25 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:07:29 Ian, those players aren't coming in this window. Doug Nestor 26 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:07:39 Looks like a young Chris Waddle... Can we not just have a right footed, right winger?.. This kid is all left foot at the moment.. Ryan Holroyd 27 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:09:35 Dewsbury-Hall walks into the Everton team and isnt a back up. Andrew Ellams 28 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:10:02 Ahead of Garner do you reckon Ryan? Steve Brown 29 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:11:33 Martin @ 15, I mean Anthony Elanga and Yankuba Minteh fast.Dibling is more of a dribbler from when I watched him. Dave Lynch 30 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:11:53 Dewsbury-Hall suffered in a dysfunctional Chelsea team. He's a tidy footballer who will bring a touch of class. We've been here before with players nobody fancied; I remember Arteta signing and some saying he wasn't good enough. Steve Brown 31 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:13:09 Garner looked good playing No.6 against Man Utd, so he would complement KDH playing at no.8 Ryan Holroyd 32 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:15:01 I think reckon so, Andrew. Frank Crewe 33 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:18:38 Those who say Dewsbury-Hall is too much like Garner might want to remember that Gueye isn't getting younger. Not to mention he may be going off to the African Cup of Nations later this year. We are going to need quality in the midfield in the coming years. Josh Horne 34 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:27:43 Eye watering valuation for Dibling. By turning down £35M, Southampton demonstrate how highly they rate him and their confidence that they can get more for him, either now or in the future. He might be a great long term prospect. Whether we can justify a £40M+ spend depends on the total budget available, given we would still need a further 4-5 players. Whilst I do welcome the ambition that is being demonstrated, I'm not convinced this is the best move for Everton right now. Rob Halligan 35 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:32:56 Could Dewsbury-Hall be our quickest ever signing? As far as I know, we only put a bid in for him this morning, and it seems like he could be an Everton player by this time tomorrow! Mihir Ambardekar 36 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:43:56 Is Dibling that good? We should be going for someone who can come in and make an immediate difference. Southampton are now taking a piss. Not sure Dibling is worth more than £50M. With regards to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, a good footballer… but we need someone like Luiz to partner Gana. Si Pulford 37 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:46:28 Garner had regressed. Not sure where he fits in at all. Dewsbury hall is on another level to him. Kevin Molloy 38 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:46:40 Dibling is off the charts good Mihir. Have a look at thishttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACxalpBAsBs Mark Frere 39 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:48:37 Dewsbury-Hall is nothing like Garner imo! KDH is much more of a forward thinking player and I have always been most impressed with him when he played on the left wing for Leicester. He's very versatile and can play deeper but is much better behind the striker or out wide. He's a player I've always admired. But, £29 million is a tad excessive as seen as Chelsea only paid £30 million a year earlier after he had a stellar season for Leicester in the Championship. He's a year older now and was unable to establish himself in the Chelsea team so I think £18-20 million would be a fair price.Furthermore, I would prefer us to spend money more wisely by signing younger players under the age of 25. Neil Copeland 40 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:50:11 Rob, the club has obviously taken the kick up the backside from TW seriously. I am expecting at least 4 more by the end of tomorrow now 🤪 Rob Halligan 41 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:53:06 Neil, I reckon you had a word with someone whilst on your jollies! Sam Hoare 42 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:53:57 Both players I like but £70m on Dibling and KDH would feel like overpaying.Dibling at least offers something we dont have, a natural right winger who can beat people with ease and has high potential but KDH feels like someone around the Garner/Mcneill level and I think Ugochukwu who is off to Burnley or Chukeuemeka off to Dortmund may prove the better purchases in the long run. Danny O'Neill 43 Posted 04/08/2025 at 15:57:35 Kevin, Youtube "scouting" never givers you the picture.Watching live or eve a full 99 on live TV yes. And listening to scout reports who should have been dispatched to report on A bit harsh on Garner. When win the ball back, his instinct is to look and play foward if something is on.As for Dewsbury-Hall, no idea, but it seems like a lot of money Kevin Molloy 44 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:00:08 DannyIn most cases I totally agree re YouTube vids. But there are some players where the quality just shines out. If I had seen Rooney on a YouTube vid score his first few goals I'd still think he was brilliant. Martin Reppion 45 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:06:46 Kevin. Just watched the highlights reel you posted.He has pace and a lot of strength for a young lad.But, as others have mentioned he is all left foot. he also barely puts in a cross, preferring the cut inside and shoot method.We have just pushed the boat out for a 6ft 5in centre forward, who would probably refer balls swung onto his head.I'm not saying its a no from me. The lad looks like a real prospect. But he isn't a typical right winger.If we can coach some crossing and a bit of right foot in there, then he would defo add the x factor we have been missing. Andrew Ellams 46 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:07:09 Will the Dewsbury-Hall signing mean Harrison Armstrong going out on loan for another year? Ajay Gopal 47 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:09:06 If, and a big IF, Everton were to land both these players, that would be a real statement of intent by the new owners, and a sign that Everton are finally beginning to emerge from the shadows of the horrendous past 4-5 years. Now, get a real classy RB and then a couple of loans that will surely open up towards the end of the window, and we will have a very decent team that should be able to do the new stadium proud. A very strong English contingent too - Pickford, Tarks, Jarrad, Garner, Tim, Armstrong, McNeil, Dibling, KDH - cool! James Marshall 48 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:09:47 I've always been a fan of KDH. And since DCL left we've been crying out for a player to refer to by an acronym.Chelsea supporters all saying he has a great attitude and work ethic and that we've bought a bargain. Could be very shrewd business. Henrik Lyngsie 49 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:10:23 I think some of you are a bit harsh on Garner. If we want to become a team with a little bit more possession then Garner is the key to that. He is really good on the ball and he actually passes forward and breaks the lines. If KDH is similar it is just a bonus. Maybe they will become good together and we can gradually retire Idrissa. Geoff Lambert 50 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:10:54 Dewsbury Hall is a great upgrade for our midfield, ball winner pace and an eye for a pass/goal.Dibling is special make no doubt about it get him in now.Keep this up blues and it's looking good for our European challenge. Jack Convery 51 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:11:13 KDH a done deal according to the BBC. £26m plus £2 -3m in addons.Looking at his career stats he's about a goal / assist in every 3 - 4 games. Last season he played a total of 1,816 minutes, scoring 5 with 4 assists. That's not, too far short of a goal contribution, every 200 minutes, if I've got my maths correct. The previous season ( in Championship ), he scored 12 with 15 assists in 44 games. In his last full EPL season, 2 goals, 2 assists in 31 games - to be fair Leicester were awful that season. His fitness record appears excellent. Dibling next - let them have Tim as part of the deal or Harrison on loan, for a season, as part of the deal.Who will be next Brownhill ? Coufal ? Semedo ? Vardy ? or am I being facetious ! Kevin Molloy 52 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:12:13 Martinthat is a frustration yes. But this kid trumps Barry, I'd sell Barry tomorrow if it meant we got this chap. Andrew Ellams 53 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:16:39 Martin, there are very few players about these days that beat the man on the outside before dropping a cross onto the number 9's head. It's all about players cutting in now which is what N'Diaye does so well.There's more to Barry's game than being tall and heading definitely isn't Beto's strongpoint. Mike Gaynes 54 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:18:08 Rob #35, this KDH deal is happening way too fast for me. Nobody's had time to speculate about him, vote yea or nay, slag him off, complain we're overpaying or criticize management for buying Chelsea's leftovers. There's a proper order to these things, ya know? Annika Herbert 55 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:20:26 Mike @ 55, well that brought a smile to my face, especially as someone who usually jumps on with the criticism Steve Brown 56 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:24:12 Mike, I got “championship at best” in my back pocket for the first 5 minutes of his debut. Joseph Murphy 57 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:26:33 I dont want Dibling, £40+m for a 19 year old with only 1 foot. Just watched youtube of the lad and he never touched the ball once with his right foot, not even to control it. A defender will just show him on to his right and he would be done for - we already have too many one footers - Beto, ONeil Neil Copeland 58 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:29:06 Rob 41, it must have been the chat I had with Dave Moyes. At least I think it was him, difficult to be sure after 3 crates of Bud.Decent player Dewsbury-Hall and a step up from what we currently have although Jimmy Garner played well yesterday.Really hope we get a RB and RW, very light on that side, the other areas are all bonuses I think. Rob Halligan 59 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:30:04 Mike # 54…….somebody needs to phone the club and tell them to slow down with these transfers. Maybe a couple weeks or so, just to make us all sweat going into the last week of the transfer window. Danny O'Neill 60 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:30:45 Sell Barry weeks after buying him for £27m on a 4 year contract?And judging having only watched for barely 90 interrupted minutes in 2 pre-season friendlies?Strange call that Kevin.Just had a message from my Chelsea cousin. Not happy they've let him go. Derek Cartwright 61 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:33:21 I remember a fella that only used 1 foot think his name was sheedy and he wasnt to bad Jake FitzGerald 62 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:39:52 Dibling is superb to watch, and ridiculously talented for a 19 yr old, but I cant see him as an out-and-out right winger at all. He always looks to go central and isnt close enough up front to assist or score. Could just be the way Southampton played him, but it doesnt feel like Beto or Barry would have Dibling in close proximity. Ian Bennett 63 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:43:46 A midfield two of Garner and KDH is way too powderpuff. Midfield mediocrity.Might appeal to some, but I think you need more to your game than just beng quiet good on the ball.The rest have that plus skill, pace or size. You need more than one facet to your game to succeed in the Premier league in my opinion.Disappointed. If we had to have him, id of taken a loan to prove himself. Weve a squad full of average plsyers, released a load of average players, and then spend £28m on another. Signing any old plsyer isn't good enough. We've been here before. Nicholas Ryan 64 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:48:08 Just looked at the announcement of this deal on the BBC Sport website. Almost all of the comments are coming from Chelsea fans; and almost all of them are saying: 'This is a good deal for Everton'. None of them are slagging him off. Ian Bennett 65 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:52:11 They don't care Nicholas. They spent about £2bn and won the club world cup. Frankly if I was in their shoes with a squad of 100 players, I wouldn't feel too bad on him either. Danny O'Neill 66 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:53:27 Old? He's 26.My Chelsea cousin is fuming they've let him go. Conor McCourt 68 Posted 04/08/2025 at 16:58:01 Not really in favour of the KDH signing to be honest. If we were raiding Chelsea would have preferred their young right back or even Veiga who can play in a number of positions.I worry KDH is a Moyes signing in the mould of Ward Prowse at West Ham. A player who is a class act at a certain level but not really either physical or technical enough for the top end of the PL. (when allowed to dictate can look like a superstar)The big difference I suppose he has from Ward Prowse is his flexibility in that he can play all of the midfield roles and off the left but can't help think that he was a perfect signing for the last few windows (on loan) as opposed to this one.Considering someone like Luiz was linked for a similar fee and not dissimilar age I think he would have genuinely moved the dial. Mike Gaynes 70 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:00:41 There ya go, Ian #63! That's the kind of feedback I was talking about. The club just didn't give us enough time on this one to put together a proper thread of those. Jake #62, that's more or less what his former manager said about him in a rave review -- said he'd done well on the wing but would eventually be a top forward. Compared him to Kane. Conor #69, please be more specific. Chelsea has approximately 12 young right backs. Which do you like?Steve #56, I actually had "championship at best" in my post but deleted it out. Thought I'd leave it for you to smash into the top corner. Dave Abrahams 71 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:07:21 Mike (70) The news of possibly signing Dewsbury Hall has been on Grandoldteam for about four days. Conor McCourt 72 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:07:43 Both Mike but I think Acheampong is the realistic one who may be available. Mike Gaynes 73 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:12:24 Dave, I wasn't being strictly literal... ;-))Conor, in all seriousness I wouldn't want that. I'm delighted to see us signing dazzling young talent up front and in midfield, but I believe we urgently need an experienced RB who can step in and play at the needed level from day 1. Vagiannidis, Maitland-Niles, guys who have done it would be my strong preference. Steve Brown 74 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:19:28 Mike @70, I think Ian blew us all away with ‘powderpuff midfield mediocrity.Now that is a proper insult for a player who played 36 games for Chelsea last season!Conor @ 72, maybe Chelsea would be amenable to a loan for Acheampong? Kunal Desai 75 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:20:02 £70M+ for both Dibling and Dewsbury-Hall seems quite excessive. There is real value from abroad where players are not just looking at waiting for a Champions League club to come in. It does feel a little panicky and desperate, flashbacks to 2017 a little.There are players similar to the likes of Barry which can be picked up for much less than the potential value for both of these players.Ebimbe at Frankfurt, Diehl at Stuttgart are just examples. Pat Kelly 76 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:20:58 The National Trust has now blocked the sale of Dewsbury Hall. Jake FitzGerald 77 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:23:32 Well, Mike, I've just watched Dewsbury-Hall doing one of those cringey Sky promo clips where he was supposed to be fist pumping but he just looks like he's cracking one out. If he can't even do that properly, then how can you expect him to command a midfield? Mike Gaynes 78 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:24:40 PK in the house!Where ya been?I paid appropriate tribute yesterday on the Forum with a "We're still in this" right after kickoff. Your copyright payment is in the mail. Ian Bennett 79 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:25:32 I just think you need better than him, Mike, if you seriously want to move forward.He'll score the odd goal, but I'd rather his £80k a week wages and £28M transfer fee be put into a better class player than him. We've enough squad players without adding another to it.If you're happy with it, great. I am not. I thought we've done shit business for years, and this is the same again. You always get some that get excited over signing any old player. Once the wrapping paper is in the bin, they realise they've bought a pup. I don't see him as a central midfielder. He played wide left, but ndiaye is first choice, and Mcneil is too similar to him in my opinion.Harrison, Garner, McNeil, James Ward-Prowse, Brownhill, Longstaff. It's not a scout list, it's an AI result of "bang average footballers". Pat Kelly 80 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:31:27 Glad you've been keeping the show on the road, Mike. Ryan Holroyd 81 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:33:59 He is a central midfield player, Ian. Just because you don't see him as one doesn't mean he isn't one. Ian Bennett 82 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:39:05 Steve, he played 259 Premier League minutes, or 3 games.Powder puff is referring to his 5-ft 9-in frame. Garner is pretty light weight and lacks pace, put him next to him, you're in trouble.Come the Afcon, we have a midfield 3 of McNeil, Garner, Dewesbury-Hall. If anyone thinks that is a good idea, then god help you.It's what I've seen in him, Ryan. His touch map for Leicester was in a McNeil style, and the games for Chelsea, I thought he looked very lightweight. Mike Gaynes 83 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:39:09 Ian #79, if you'll re-read my post at #54, you'll realize you missed my gently ironic point -- which was about TW, not Dewsbury-Hall. I have no opinion about this signing. Haven't seen the guy play in about three years. But I would remind you that come the AFCON we will also have Iroegbunam and, unless he is loaned out, young Armstrong. Works for me. Ian Bennett 84 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:39:44 There's a reason, Mike... Sam Hoare 85 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:40:45 Conor @68, I hope you won't be too annoyed or shocked by me agreeing with you! Dewsbury-Hall is a very decent player but I'm not convinced he moves the dial and has mostly excelled in the Championship or Conference League. It's a lot of money for someone that age yet to do well in the Premier League. I would have preferred him on loan or someone else.Lots of younger players with greater potential we could get for that fee. Feels a bit like Moyes's cautiousness but his versatility could be useful and he should slot straight in at least. Andrew McLawrence 86 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:44:35 Done deal according to BBC, £28M. Mike Gaynes 87 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:49:16 Sam #85, I don't remember much of him from 3-4 years ago but was he not good for Leicester? Played 59 games in the Prem according to his online profile. (And yeah, I know they were relegated his second season.)Anyway, glad to know you think he can slot straight in. We need a mix of those along with the young signings. Andrew Ellams 88 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:49:23 Ian @ 28, the better class keeps turning us down. Jake FitzGerald 89 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:50:46 Ian, you're assuming that Dewsbury-Hall is our last midfield signing of the window. Even if we do get Dibling across the line, there's still room for a big name loan there too. Then we're looking decent. Ian Bennett 90 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:50:57 Pay the money then, Andrew, so they don't. We will pay this fella £80k a week plus and a fee of £28M. Ryan Holroyd 91 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:51:15 I reckon McNeil will leave. We will bring in another central midfield player to go along with Dewsbury-Hall.And he's a much better player than James Garner. Bobby Mallon 92 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:52:57 Ian Bennet must be a bundle of fun to go the game with! Sam Hoare 93 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:53:57 Mike @87, In his last stint with Leicester in the Premier League, he was pretty unremarkable, managing 3 goals and 4 assists across 2 seasons. John Pickles 94 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:54:16 Having watched only the first 4 mins of his YouTube clip (I have a short attention span), I have to say £40M for a player who dribbles around players for fun before winning a free kick 10 feet from the centre circle, or passing to a player 5 feet away, seems like a luxury we can't afford right now.I love the skills but saw only one goal, a 'tap in', and no assists. Andrew Ellams 95 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:54:46 Ian, they're turning us down because they don't want to play for a bottom of the table English team they know very little about because they are never in Europe. Grant Rorrison 96 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:56:14 Ian 82. You're worried about how light weight the midfield is but when Idrissa goes away to the AFCON, you'll be even more concerned. Despite the fact that he's the lightest? Ian Jones 97 Posted 04/08/2025 at 17:59:21 Out of interest and purely hypothetically, if Adam Wharton was to become available, would we want to buy him? Mike Gaynes 98 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:01:25 Yeah, I know the stats, Sam, but he was a deep-lying mid. We're not buying him for goals. I was hoping you could tell me more about how he played.I count on you for this stuff. Ian Bennett 99 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:04:13 Gana wins the ball for fun, Grant. Neither of these are that type of player.The position in the table doesn't matter. It is the wages on offer. It is clear we are not going above £80k, when anything remotely decent is looking for £120k plus.For the right players, you have to pay top wages. We can afford that for some in the team. If you want to pay sub-£80k for key players in attacking positions, you'll end up with a team like Leeds, Sunderland, Burnley, Southampton, Leicester circling the drain. Ryan Holroyd 100 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:05:27 Yes Ian. Almost every team in England would want Adam Wharton. Steve Shave 101 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:12:09 Yes 🙌 I really like Dewsbury-Hall.I agree with Ryan's comment that he walks into this team. Bloody good player. Bill Watson 102 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:16:12 What I love about ToffeeWeb is that, if we sign a player I don't know much about, I can come on here to discover just how crap he really is! Mike Gaynes 103 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:16:39 With Maddison having apparently blown out that same knee yesterday in Seoul, expect Spurs to go big for an attacking mid. Mick O'Malley 104 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:19:47 Reading some of the Chelsea fans comments about him and most of them have said he'll be a really good signing, always gives 100% and was unlucky to have two of the highest-priced midfielders in football ahead of him. Some good comments from Leicester fans as well. I'm happy with this signing. Ian Jones 106 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:28:01 Thanks Ryan, I agree, I'd have him in my team.It's just that a lot of people get hung up about stats. As far as my mini research shows Wharton has played 36 Premier League games for Palace and scored 0 and assisted 5. In something like 44 games for Blackburn, he scored 4 and assisted 4. So not a great output. :)As I have said on many occasions, assists and goals aren't always a true measure of a player's abilities. It's the 'pre-assist' if such a word exists that is also important. Geoff Lambert 107 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:31:04 Mick #104 Take no notice of what Chelsea and Leicester fans think of him. Just have a look on here — you will see how slow he is: can't pass, can't score, can't assist and can't even tie his own shoe laces. Ryan Holroyd 108 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:39:24 Ian, I agree. I remember Pienaar. He got loads of ‘pre assists' but not many assists. It's a great point you make. Andrew Ellams 109 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:40:31 Ian J, that's why stats are nonsense. Peter Reid's goals and assists would have been low compared to most, so I guess he would have got the same treatment back in the day too. Billy Shears 110 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:43:25 Always liked Dewsbury-Hall... And Dibling looks a decent prospect too… but £40M??? Way too steep. What about Fellows? I heard about £9M would get him?At that price, we could sign another right-winger or a striker!! Mike Gaynes 111 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:44:11 Ian #106, Nobody loves stats more than I do but, as I've mentioned before, I made a fool of myself grousing about our signing this bum McNeil after he played a full season at attacking mid for Burnley without a single goal involvement. Zero.And now he's had 33 in 100 games at Everton, far and away the club leader. So I've learned to take stats with a touch of salt. Ian Bennett 112 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:44:28 Ian, Wharton is a defensive midfielder. His stats are those of a defensive midfielder that screens the back 4 good enough for England and is probably valued at £75M+ and would be in demand amongst the Top 6.In 36 games, he has 5 assists, 1,241 passes and 127 defensive contributions. You're comparing chalk and cheese. Terry Downes 113 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:49:00 I'd rather we tried Hutchinson from Ipswich. He looked a cracking player for young England in the recent tournament. Ed Prytherch 114 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:49:54 My memories of Dewsbury-Hall are of a strong running and tackling player at Leicester. I was a bit surprised that Chelsea bought him given the quality in their team but then he seemed to fit in okay. Alan McGuffog 115 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:58:07 Bill 102...excellent comment amigo. Loved it. So true. Jimmy Carr 116 Posted 04/08/2025 at 18:58:30 Usual comedy from the usual suspects who know nothing about football but would have you believe they are experts. Crack on lads. Well done Everton. A reasonable price for a young-ish midfielder with proven experience at the top level. Good signing, well done to the recruitment team, more please - and as a Brucie Bonus it stops Davey Moyes from complaining for a bit. Jerome Shields 117 Posted 04/08/2025 at 19:01:50 Dewsbury-Hall is the play-making midfielder needed. Roy Johnstone 118 Posted 04/08/2025 at 19:04:07 Got a load of friends saying Dewsbury-Hallis the nuts. They saw him on loan at Luton and in the Championship with Leicester, so let's see. Jay Harris 119 Posted 04/08/2025 at 19:10:26 Haven't seen a lot of him but what I've seen he is Tom Davies, Oliver Skipp, Longstaffe level so is useful as a squad player but will not elevate us in the way I hoped for.Oh for a young up-and-coming Richarlison.We need goalscoring forwards and even Dibling is not the answer. Ryan Holroyd 120 Posted 04/08/2025 at 19:18:30 To compare him to Tom Davies, Oliver Skipp, Longstaff is just ludicrous. I'm sorry but that's one of the worst comments I've ever seen in ToffeeWeb. In regards to Dibling, we will end up messing this up and Dibling will go to a Spurs type in 12 months for double the asking price it is now.Everton are idiots. Ian Jones 121 Posted 04/08/2025 at 19:19:42 Ian @ 112, agreed about Wharton being a defensive midfielder and yes I probably am comparing chalk with cheese.He's not just gouda, he's grate - he's mature beyond his years. I just sometimes find all this spreadsheet stats talk is just crackers. Apologies, I was readying these for a future Live Forum but have gone early!And for those that like a stat, Tim Howard has more Premier League goals than Adam Wharton. Danny O'Neill 122 Posted 04/08/2025 at 19:29:15 Like with any signing, especially players I haven't paid much attention to, I'll judge him in an Everton shirt. As for Dibling, I have a nagging, probably unfounded thought in my head.19 years old and a south coast boy, born in Exeter and spent most of his youth career at Southampton. A short stint at Chelsea, but quickly returned to Southampton, because he couldn't settle. West London is only an hour and a half away down the M3 to Southampton.If he was a more mature player it would be a pure football decision, but would he prefer the likes of Bournemouth or Brighton if they were willing to pay? Or another crack at London with Brentford or maybe West Ham?Like I say, just something that came into my head. Ian Jones 123 Posted 04/08/2025 at 19:38:05 Danny, you're probably right, a move closer to home is likely to be his next move.Possibly add Spurs or Fulham to your thoughts. Neil Thomas 124 Posted 04/08/2025 at 19:42:20 Honestly the comments on here from people who ain't even seen these two play are staggering. Dewsbury-Hall is a massive upgrade on any midfielder we have, and a huge upgrade on Doucoure. He has pace, skill, can pass through the eye of a needle, and can also finish and run past players. Whoever compared him to those other 3 either ain't seen him play, or knows nothing about football. As for Dibling, I've seen him quite a lot, and instead of moaning about him, we should be grateful after the last few seasons that he even considers us. I've seen comments that he's got no pace, obviously you ain't seen him, or you would prefer us to sign Usain Bolt. The lad is rapid, got strength, two good feet, and I've seen him glide past some of the Premier League's best defenders, and he's only 19. It's a complete no-brainer for a lad who is going to be worth £100M plus in the future. Bobby Mallon 125 Posted 04/08/2025 at 19:46:30 Mick at 104, those two you're on about cost Brighton £6M and £14M respectively. Everton would not have taken that chance. Player prices do not mean they are good or bad. Look at Sancho at Man Utd. Fucking shite at £90M. If these players are good, then they are good. Jake FitzGerald 126 Posted 04/08/2025 at 19:48:40 I've got a horrible feeling that our well-publicised efforts to sign Dibling will serve as a reminder of his existence to the other Premier League clubs playing in Europe and they'll do a swoop. And I reckon Southampton know that too. Grant Rorrison 127 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:00:02 Jake 126. I doubt it. Southampton just know we're desperate and want to see just how desperate we are. Mick O'Malley 128 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:03:27 Bobby true, I know a player's transfer fee doesn't guarantee anything. I'm just saying maybe it played a part in his deciding to move. I'm just glad we've signed him cos I think he'll become a really good addition to the team. Geoff@ 106 agreed, Maresca made him one of his very first signings, if not the first, when he became Chelsea manager. But as you say, maybe Moyes should have visited TW to get the lowdown on him before signing him. Jon Atkinson 129 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:03:29 Are we after a Vicar or Dibling? Some dribblers on here, that's for sure! Robert Tressell 130 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:07:44 Mention of Acheampong on loan above. Extremely classy full back but I am guessing not if we sign Dibling. It would be a very talented right flank but probably way too inexperienced. My completely made-up theory is that Roma bought Rensch for us in January because he was a bargain with 6 months to go on his contract. Now that they have top target Wesley, they'll release Rensch to us on loan with a cheap option to buy. Ian Bennett 131 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:13:47 Robert,Would you sign Dewsbury-Hall for £29M and Dibling for £45-50M? Kevin Molloy 132 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:19:30 I think you're onto something there, Jake. Like Spurs are going to give us a free run at this kid when they're getting rid of Son, and Maddison has just done his knee. Ah well, it was fun while it lasted. Mike Gaynes 133 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:24:35 Jake #126, do you think those clubs don't know about the kid already?Ian #121, please don't Brie any more of those cheesy comments here. You'll create a Muenster. Phil (Kelsall) Roberts 134 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:32:08 Just looked at the stats and 0 assists and 0 goals. No idea why we signed Mark Travers. Going to add nothing to the team.Yes, I do get annoyed with Football shows who put up stats like Martin Keown 585 games 5 goals. So what? He was a defender. I would be more interested in the number of clean sheets he had or tackles or clearances off the line. Far more important stat for a defender than the number of goals he scored. It is a bit like saying in a 10-year career, this Fireman only handed out 2 parking tickets. That is not his job, how many fires did he put out?What are Idrissa's stats? Robert Tressell 135 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:32:53 To be honest, Ian, possibly not. I think Hutchinson is a safer bet than Dibling for presumably similar money. As for Dewsbury-Hall, of the linked players, personally, I'd rather have had Gallagher as he adds more steel I think and probably helps Alcaraz more - but would probably have been more expensive. Who knows… he may yet come on loan? There are also cheaper foreign options too but Dewsbury-Hall is ‘oven ready' and Moyes seems to strongly believe we need that. Also £29M isn't that much really (Phil Neville was £25M inflation adjusted). Whatever the case, I don't know (a) how much money we have or (b) whether we pushed other targets and got rebuffed.One thing Moyes did good job with last time around was build a team of committed (if somewhat too nice) British players. Probably helped with the team spirit etc. He also focussed on players who could occupy a role in the first team for 5 years plus – in order to eke out maximum value for money. Grant Rorrison 136 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:33:28 Phil 134. He's sorted that out while he's been here, to be fair to him. Don Alexander 137 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:35:34 Can't say I know either that well but last season I was very impressed with Dibling in the way he controls, retains and runs with the ball. He's got physical stature, some pace, and excellent awareness of space and an incisive pass. Bearing in mind he was the one diamond in a team of dross, his stats are somewhat irrelevant as far as I'm concerned.Dewsbury-Hall as a player doesn't excite me to the same extent but his credentials, age and fee seem attractive to me even in the bizarre world of Premier League transfer fees. Paul Tran 138 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:40:24 Dewsbury-Hall is a good signing for me, definitely improves the team. My Chelsea friends rate him.What little I've seen of Dibling, he's certainly talented. Southampton are holding out for as much as they can, testing our nerve, as we are theirs. I hope we get him, even if we pay over the odds. If everyone wants it to happen, it'll go through this week. Mark Murphy 139 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:46:47 Muenster eh Mike?I'm travelling to Bavaria this week with two days in Alsace from tomorrow. I'll be stuffing my face with some of that! Mark Murphy 140 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:50:46 Re the thread, I'll be delighted if we get Dewsbury Hall and Dibling.I just hope Moyes doesn't go all Don Howe on them. Stu Darlington 141 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:52:23 I just hope Dewsbury-Hall isn't a trade-off for Dibling. Although, if not, I think £70M is a little strong for the pair.Dewsbury-Hall is a good footballer but needs the right mix of midfielders around him. Dibling has the skill and power to make things happen. If it comes down to a choice, I know where my vote goes! Gavin Johnson 142 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:54:04 For me, Dewsbury-Hall is a great signing. I rated him highly when he was at Leicester City in the Premier League. He moves really well when he has the ball and also has the vision to find a forward pass and to chip in with goals.A better deal at £25M plus £3M in add-ons and around £80k/wk wages (Chelsea wage) than splurging the best part of £34M on Luiz and £150k/wk wages. Brian Cleveland 143 Posted 04/08/2025 at 20:54:31 Ian #121 - that was well cheesy mate.Must admit Dewsbury-Hall had totally dropped off my radar, especially as we're desperate for a couple of right-footers. Has the natural demographic changed? Are we as a population now producing more lefties? Seems all we get associated with now.Don't mind this signing, I'll do the cartwheels when I see how we perform as a team with 11 lefties. Neil Tyrrell 144 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:03:17 Dewsbury Hall sounds like somewhere Dylan played with the Band on his infamous UK tour in 1966. Based on that, I'm on board. "Play it fucking loud!"In all seriousness, from what I've seen of him, he looked good. I'm less familiar with Dibling but he seems highly rated by just about everyone. And nothing comes cheap these days, bought a dozen eggs lately? Si Pulford 145 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:03:43 So frustrating when people say ‘we should have gone all out for Gallagher' etc… Going in for them is one thing, them leaving the Champions League to play for us is another. And anyone who doesn't think Dewsbury-Hall walks into our first eleven is (and I'm being polite here…) …… a lunatic. Stuart Sharp 146 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:04:38 Jay 119,You put Dewsbury-Hall in the same bracket as Tom Davies? Really? That is baffling. Chelsea don't buy Tom Davies bracket players. Sheffield United do.I think it's a great signing given where we're at just now. An intelligent, classy player who is still young but has Premier League and European experience.Dibling looks class in patches, and again the sort of player we should be going for, but my God, the valuations these days... Ernie Baywood 147 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:05:35 I remember seeing Dewsbury-Hall and he looks a solid type of signing. Decent age and the price seems about right. I've seen a bit more of Dibling. He's definitely a bit special – confidence pouring out of him. You don't get many English players like him. I'd love us to get him but the sort of money being talked about seems crazy for someone so unproven. Reminds me of Waddle... would you pay £40-50M for Waddle?Mind you, maybe the club has that sort of money now. It's hard to get used to after the last few years. Bobby Mallon 148 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:08:33 I would pay £40M for Waddle. Nathan Ford 149 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:09:45 I'd prefer Hayden Hackney myself. Younger more progressive with a wider range of passing and also likes a good solid tackle. Bobby Mallon 150 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:09:50 I have to say Dibling is defo worth £40M but no more — he's a good player. Gavin Johnson 151 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:11:06 Ernie...Yes, Dibling reminds me of Waddle with the style of play and lowered socks. I think we have to sign him if he goes on to be the player Waddle was.Apparently Saints have turned down £35M and £8M in add-ons. I think we should go back with £40M and £5M in add-ons, take it or leave it. Mark Murphy 152 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:15:34 Tom Davies coulda shoulda! He was brilliant in patches and for me is one that got away.He and Calvert-Lewin make me sad. Peter Mills 153 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:18:15 Our negotiating position with selling clubs when we are trying to sign players cannot have been helped by our manager's somewhat desperate comments over the past few days. I also become very frustrated with his “we are hoping to get to where we might begin to think about competing to be in a position where we may be able to qualify for a place in Europe” type of comments.David, your average career has made you fabulously rich. You've done well since you've been back here. Life is short — go for glory, win us a trophy. Scott Hamilton 154 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:20:53 My mate's from Yorkshire and I'm sure he got married at Dewsbury Hall. Nice place but a shit selection of beers. Mike Gaynes 155 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:23:46 Murph, not sure I've ever seen the words "Davies" and "brilliant" used in the same post. Not trying to be snarky, but I must have sneezed and missed those patches. Neil Tyrrell 156 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:26:12 The goal v City, Mike? A singular patch, but still… Danny O'Neill 157 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:29:03 Amen, Peter @153.If these 2 signings come off, that's 6 signings, Branthwaite retained and in excess of £100M spent before we bring in any further additions.Time for expectation, not excuses. It won't just be coming down from the stands, it will be from the hawkish board.Stand up and be counted, David Moyes. Show us what you can do. We want you to, because we want Everton to. Rob Halligan 158 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:33:45 The Guardian are now saying we will increase our bid to £40M. Nothing about any add ons. Kevin Molloy 159 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:34:42 yes, I think he'll need to at the very least match Carlo Ancelotti's first full season. We've been bollocks for a decade, but I'm sick of Davey and his excuses. Paul Hewitt 160 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:36:32 Bobby@148. He must be well into his 60's now. Mark Murphy 161 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:38:38 Cmon Mike - Tom Davies showed exceptional promise at one stage. Even the usually Everton sceptic press were tipping him as a future England captain.He was the next, after Ross Barkley, that got me thinking we had something. Simon Dalzell 162 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:39:10 Southampton Taking the Piss. Why wouldn't they ? We need to bite the Ruud Gullit and pay. Jimmy Carr 163 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:50:16 Having slagged David Moyes for his role in seeing off Kev Thelwell, I have to give him some credit for moaning his backside off and berating the recruitment team into getting another deal over the line. Let's look forward to some further whinging and maybe another signing or two as the week develops. Bobby Mallon 164 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:51:13 Paul 160 I bet hes still better than most wingers, I loved waddle and how he looked like hd couldn't run then pow hes past you and in on goal Kevin Molloy 165 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:56:28 according to Colin Gibson, siralex had to be restrained at half time after he'd been laced up and down all half by Waddle. 'where's that c**t Gibson!' he was shouting. Still can't get my head around how Alex thought Waddle's talent was somehow Gibson's fault. Robert Tressell 166 Posted 04/08/2025 at 21:58:50 In terms of similar ish alternatives to Dewsbury Hall who might be vaguely gettable - they include:- Matt ORiley- Quinten Timber- Kenneth Taylor- Lewis Ferguson - Gabriel Sara- Morten Frendrup- Conor Gallagher There are some good players here - but no absolute worldies and KDH looks decent business and decent value against this peer group. I also agree that Dibling has a resemblance to Chris Waddle too - and he was an absolute star of a player. Scored a cracker against us after I think dispossessing Kanchelskis while playing for Bradford. Years past his best at that stage but still superb quality. Sam Hoare 167 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:02:51 I like Dibling a lot but £40m+ begins to feel like were having our pants pulled down. Palace are about to sign Evan Guessand for £20m who can play all across the top end of the pitch, beat his man frequently and managed 13 goals and 8 assists in 30 games for Nice last season.Maybe weve got a shed load cash than any of realised but I still dont like the idea of overpaying. Dibling costing £15m more than Rayan Cherki seems strange to me. Ryan Holroyd 168 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:06:20 The Bobble latest:Dibling: still in negotiations, 3.5m gap, player wants to come. Expected to get done. KDH - City changed goal posts re fee for McAtee from 25m. Everton moved to KDH. On way for medical. Grealish - The interest remains. Everton are currently front runners for the 29 year old. Everton have held talks with Manchester City over a loan deal with the belief that a deal is still there to be had. talks with Grealish went well and the finances involved have not dampened Evertons hope of securing this premium loan. Regardless of the two deals above, this is still on David Moyes wish list before the window closes.Dixon and Onyango on way to Stockport soon. Mike Gaynes 169 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:07:46 Neil, Murph, yep a magnificent single day against City, and in my first-ever game at Goodison he scored in only 32 seconds. Memory for a lifetime. But since that day he has scored 6 goals in 8 seasons. Physically he just didn't have the gifts. And all the mental mistakes under pressure drove me crazy. Liam Mogan 170 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:10:54 For 40m you want someone who goes straight into the starting XI. I hope he does. Christian Hill 171 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:12:04 That's a lot of money for a player who's never played fir his country. Paul Hewitt 172 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:14:46 Newcastle tried to highjack that KDH deal, but he turned them down. Mike Gaynes 173 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:16:11 Sam #167, I have exactly the same reaction, but if PSR is no longer an issue -- the sales of Goodison and the women's team helping -- does overpaying by £5m really matter? Clearly the recruitment team think he's worth it and our wealthy new owner is willing. And if the kid is what Moyes believes him to be, I think the bigger mistake would be to walk away over the excess £5m and maybe watch the player turn into a star someplace else. Sam Hoare 174 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:22:33 Mike, I know what you mean. And I think we will probably pay it. It just irks me. I dont want us to become the new Man United and constantly overpaying for players who never quite seem to work out. Were already overpaying by £5m on KDH to my mind. Is that extra £10m gonna cost us Juanlu Sanchez?Also the higher the price tag the more pressure it puts on the lad. It just feels sometimes that Everton get tunnel vision whereas they should really have a list of viable alternatives good to go if clubs start overcharging or moving the goalposts.But I would like to see Dibling in an Everton shirt. Adding him, KDH and potentially Grealish into the team would definitely give us a lot more weapons. Ryan Holroyd 175 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:31:22 I think hes a case of ‘we cant afford not to sign him rather than ‘can we afford himThink hell be worth 50% more in 12 months and double the price in 24 months Ryan Holroyd 176 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:35:21 Vladimir Coufal going to hoffenheim so cross him off our list Sam Hoare 177 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:41:00 Ryan@75, that depends on the price. Could have believed that at £30m certainly but a lot less sure at £45m. You reckon hell be worth 70m in a year? And £90m in 2? Id say thats pretty optimistic but hope youre right if we pay the fee. Mike Doyle 178 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:41:07 Sam #174] with the new season 2 weeks away l suspect well be paying a “desperation premium” in what remains of the premium.Having said that, the prices being paid by the Sky 6 also look ludicrously high. James Marshall 179 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:42:23 KDH overpriced? You're having a laugh aren't you?He's a cracking footballer - box to box midfielder with a great engine, pace, can beat a man, play a pass, he tackles, can cross the ball - he's a real all-rounder with a bit of everything. I find some of the comments a bit ridiculous - what do you want realistically? I'll lay money KDH will be a brilliant signing for us. He's also only 26, almost never injured, scores goals, makes goals and tackles - he's a complete all-rounder as I say, and with PL experience and sell-on value.He basically ticks every box that people complain about on here and yet still people complain.What do you want, prime Zidane crossed with Roy Keane?!Some people truly will never be happy with who we sign. This is a massive upturn in quality signing for a club like us - if you're not positive about this signing you likely haven't seen him play or know next to nothing about what makes a good footballer. Mike Gaynes 180 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:48:51 After a months-long battle between Juventus and Marseilles, Tim Weah has finally completed his move -- loan-to-buy, €15 million total. Bargain.So he's off the Rumours list too. Gavin Johnson 181 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:49:04 Ryan, I'd forgotten about McAtee with all the other transfer talk. While I really rate Dewsbury-Hall and am happy we're signing him, I think I'd have preferred McAtee over him. He has a higher ceiling and is a bit more flexible, playing in other positions.If we bring in Dewsbury-Hall, Dibling, Grealish, and a right-back like Jeanlu Sanchez, I think most of us will be really happy with that. Josh Horne 182 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:51:46 We paid £20M for Doucoure 5 years ago when he was a year older than Dewsbury-Hall. We have bought a far better player for a lower (inflation adjusted) price. In doing so, we have upgraded on the only regular starter that left the club in the Summer.Great business – and this will also allow the flexibility for Garner to provide cover at right-back. John Raftery 183 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:53:56 Dewsbury-Hall will add greater purpose and control to our midfield play. He is an upgrade on our current midfielders and we're getting him at the right sort of price. I expect also he will have the hunger to establish himself as one of our top players. As I have said before Tyler Dibling has the potential to transform our attacking play. I made a point of watching him at Goodison in May. His physical power allied with his skill mark him out as a special talent. For me, he would be our most exciting signing since Lukaku. I don't worry about his homesickness at Chelsea. He was 14 years old! Bearing in mind what selling clubs will be demanding for any of our other right flank options, £40M plus add-ons may prove a bargain. Ryan Holroyd 184 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:54:00 I do, Sam.How much is Adam Wharton worth now? Mike Gaynes 185 Posted 04/08/2025 at 22:58:18 Gavin, rumour has it City showed us a price tag on McAtee closer to £40M. I can understand why Dewsbury-Hall looks more attractive at £25m. Gavin Johnson 186 Posted 04/08/2025 at 23:01:04 Mike, absolutely...I rate him — but not at £40M if we had £25-30M in mind. John Daley 187 Posted 04/08/2025 at 23:03:47 If players being brought in are better than what we've already got and, consequently, can raise the collective standard of the starting 11 then there can't really be any complaints, surely? Dewsbury-Hall will likely be the best midfield player we've had for some time simply by mere virtue of the fact he doesn't treat the ball like somebody has just lobbed a freshly severed head at his feet. He can hold on to it in tight spaces when under pressure, can play neat and tidy while also possessing the vision to pull off a defence-splitting pass, wins a lot of free-kicks, is a decent set-piece taker himself, is able to surge forward at pace without looking like an out of control Subbuteo player flicked far too hard along a bobbly felt pitch, likes a late burst into the box, and can also finish without suddenly feeling the urge to fill his keks whenever a chance presents itself. Considering the fee is not much more than we paid Southampton for an actual department store dummy way back in 2017, then I don't believe we've 'over paid' or have any reason whatsoever to be grousing about the ‘better value' that perhaps/maybe/not beyond the realms of possibility could have been had elsewhere. Who cares if he's 16 months and two weeks older than Totes Unry-Alistik, who some home-scout hobbyist tentatively simulation signed for a smaller fee when sitting around scoffing a giant bowl of Shreddies, while scribbling away in their special leather ‘Summer Business' journal that, if anyone else ever got a glimpse inside, would elicit a more weirded out reaction than that of Wendy Torrance when she found the manuscript her husband had been ‘working on' for hundreds of snowbound hours was filled with page after page of shite like… ‘Sell:: Beto: £20m + £1.5m add on after 6 games without straying offside Tim Iroegbunam : £9m + any reserve right back they have spare who isn't old enough to be his dadNathan Patterson: Secret SantaBuy: Nico Paz: £14m Agustin Ruberto: £6.1mKonstantinos Karetsas: £26mRobot from Rocky 4: Nominal fee (now Paulie's dead) or, failing that, swap deal with Nathan Patterson. Ryan Holroyd 188 Posted 04/08/2025 at 23:06:09 John, Class!👏👏👏 Ray Jacques 189 Posted 04/08/2025 at 23:10:59 John, "a freshly severed head at his feet"!! — Very true.We need players who can retain the ball and pass it well to a teammate. Top teams don't give it away cheaply.This guy is a good signing, we need the lad from Southampton, a right back and centre back cover.Reckon I will be happy then, which is unusual for a miserable old sod. Colin Glassar 190 Posted 04/08/2025 at 23:18:18 If we get dribbling Dibling and the Wolf Hall lad, then I think we have a decent chance of survival. A decent right-back, a domineering centre-midfielder, and a centre-forward who can score goals, and I think the kids will be alright this season. Mike Gaynes 191 Posted 04/08/2025 at 23:31:29 “Severed head at his feet “🤣🤣🤣Nobody says it like John. Liam Mogan 192 Posted 04/08/2025 at 23:38:25 Funny that John 🤣 Martin Farrington 193 Posted 04/08/2025 at 23:47:27 JD. hilarious 🤣 Terry Farrell 194 Posted 05/08/2025 at 00:06:14 Dewsbury-Hall? Do me a favour. Take a punt on loan with a view to buy, pay nothing up front. He never made any impression at Chelsea in 1 year. Mike Gaynes 195 Posted 05/08/2025 at 00:38:41 Nah, Terry, except for lifting the Europa Conference League trophy after starting every game up to the final and bagging 4 goals and 3 assists. Mark Taylor 196 Posted 05/08/2025 at 01:12:40 Dewsbury-Hall is a good player, fair value and ready to go straight into our first team (you might argue that isn't a high bar).Dibling has promise but £40M is an awful lot for a club like us to pay for that. He's a Chelsea kind of player, small chance he is worth £100M in a couple of years, more likely he's chewed up and spat out.Did someone ask would we want Adam Wharton if available? Seriously? Yes please. Especially at £40M.And while we're in fantasy land, how about Friedkin leans on Roma to hand Mathias Soule over for, let's say £20M. Add in an over ready right back and you have the bones of a very decent team, especially if Beto can stop falling over himself... Ron Marr 198 Posted 05/08/2025 at 03:00:15 Here's Johnny! Hilarious John D. Good analysis of Dewsbury-Hall. Ernie Baywood 199 Posted 05/08/2025 at 03:02:45 We obviously don't want to overpay... but overpaying is the way we get a player that other clubs would want. Remember Tete chose Fulham over us – that's where we are in the minds of these players. I think a mix of generally sensible business with the occasional ambitious move is the right play. Dibling is definitely an ambitious move. He could soon be a class act coveted by the biggest clubs. But there's risk involved. He might just be a luxury that we can't afford - financially or in a team sense.With all these big numbers floating around, I just hope they've got their head around being financially sustainable. Maybe they do, but it definitely feels odd to be talking about these sorts of numbers as an Evertonian with our recent history. Bob Parrington 200 Posted 05/08/2025 at 04:32:02 Danny @ 122, I realise this comment is way overdue on here but I understand what you are suggesting. I've lived in Adelaide for the past 39 years and, during that time, I've witnessed a substantial number of late teens players move to UK and Europe to play at a variety of clubs, including Everton. You're spot on with the "away from home" syndrome. This might (possibly) be a negative in the case of young Dibling moving to Merseyside. Laurie Hartley 201 Posted 05/08/2025 at 05:28:10 I think both players improve our starting 11 –particularly Dibling because of who he will be replacing.The other thing I noticed about Dibling watching him last season is that he has “attitude”. That is a characteristic I value. I do wonder though seeing how he is very left-footed – can he play on the left wing? Steve Brown 202 Posted 05/08/2025 at 06:40:33 Chelsea signed Dewsbury-Hall on the recommendation of his former manager Enzo Maresca, which is positive. He was obviously signed to give the squad depth given the number of competitions Chelsea were involved in. He featured regularly in the domestic cups and Europe last season.The comments from Chelsea and Leicester fans are also positive about his quality. They know the player.When I have watched him, I liked him. He looked progressive and comfortable on the ball, and he could fill the No.8 slot with Gana or Garner behind him. Sure we might pay more than we wanted to, but who imagined Liverpool and Man Utd paying the fees they did for Wirtz and Mbuemo — now that is a risk. This doesn't feel too big a risk for us. In addition to depth, my biggest worry is that the squad needs pace; Dewsbury-Hall, Dibling (and Grealish?) will bring quality but not that. We still need speed on the flanks as we must have the slowest wide men in the Premier League. Mike Gaynes 203 Posted 05/08/2025 at 06:52:09 Ernie #199, if you mean "afford" financially, our owner is worth $8B. If you're referring to PSR, I assume that a guy worth $8B has hired the experts needed to navigate that. And he's already doing the slick stuff like selling Goodison and the women's team to his own companies to generate PSR-balancing revenue for the club. We will be sustainable.It's hard for all of us to get our heads around this, but our "recent history" means nothing anymore. New owners, new stadium, new numbers, new world. When the rebuild of our damaged squad is complete, Moshiri and Kenwright and the last 15 dire years will be fully consigned to history... and utter irrelevance. Stu Gre 204 Posted 05/08/2025 at 06:54:06 Dibling looks like he has pace to burn, but that's just on highlight reel.I could be wrong, but I don't think Moyes plays many teens, and if we get Dibling that'll be two 19-year-olds we've signed… great for the future but will they be first team regulars? Sam Hoare 205 Posted 05/08/2025 at 06:54:57 John @187. Ha! Very good as always. Quite like your transfer suggestions too, especially Robot. Si Pulford 206 Posted 05/08/2025 at 07:01:42 Terry 194 Lukaku (twice) KDB and Salah never made an impression at Chelsea. Lets give the lad until at least hes had his medical before we write him off eh? David Currie 207 Posted 05/08/2025 at 07:04:54 Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and The Victims all over pay for players! If it means an extra £5M – pay it! Why not sell Paterson, Chermiti and Iroegbunam and maybe get £5M each which will bring in £15M. None of those 3 will ever be impact players for us! Ian Jones 208 Posted 05/08/2025 at 07:11:38 Stu, Moyes might ease some of the teens into the team. I imagine it just depends how good and how ready these teens are to play in the Premier League. I imagine playing the teenagers also depends on how the team is playing, hard bringing in a fresh-faced youngster into the Premier League cauldron if the team is struggling and then be subjected to the unforgiving nature of some of the fans. However, Dibling played over 30 times for a struggling Southampton in largely I assume a more forward role where making mistakes (misplaced passes etc) isn't a major worry. He's not our player yet but I guess it will be a nice problem for Moyes to have! Si Pulford 209 Posted 05/08/2025 at 07:13:00 All I wanted going into this window was players that improve the starting 11. Players that go straight in and play every game. We've got one in Dewsbury-Hall. Dibling may come in and not start every game but, as the season progresses, I would expect him to grow into the starting 11. And I would expect him to be an important player within a year, he has something special. He is a fighter, has great technique and moves fast with the ball. Not sure about his pace without the ball in a foot race, that can be deceiving, but with the ball he eats up the grass. Hate to say it but the way Gerrard used to for Liverpool. Not that I'm comparing the players, just that particular aspect. Pace running with the ball. The ability to move the team 40 yards up the pitch in the blink of an eye. Grealish is an interesting one but again, straight into starting 11. Making everyone else raise their game. Then a starting right-back and we're in dreamland. Not saying we'll get all of those things (who knows we might get more…) but let's not worry about fees paid or wages – we've look at football through the eyes of accountants for 10 years. Let's try and embrace this and cut the negativity. Because some of the comments on here are mind-boggling. Should have kept Young and Doucoure. Andrew Ellams 210 Posted 05/08/2025 at 07:13:05 David, because our squad is paper thin and we're not in a position to unload any senior players. David Currie 211 Posted 05/08/2025 at 07:16:07 Andrew, Yes but I think Moyes will send 2 of them out on loan, I would just sell them. Danny O'Neill 212 Posted 05/08/2025 at 07:28:04 John @187, very entertaining in your own style. Take a bow sir.Forgive me and I not getting at any individual here, but my own logic tells me that we've had a wafer thin squad lacking quality for years. We're adding to the squad in terms of numbers, future potential and hopefully improved competition and quality.So we increase the depth of the squad but then talk about sending players out on loan or selling. Simple maths tells me we've increased only to decrease again? It doesn't add up to me if we are going to compete and have a go at the domestic cups. Ian Jones 213 Posted 05/08/2025 at 07:43:06 Danny, the modern game frustrates me. I and many others have banged on about having competitive reserve fixtures like the old days, Central League etc, where players who weren't necessarily deemed to be first team players got a regular game so that they were ready, match fit etc, as and when needed. Having so many subs just means players sitting around hardly getting any matches, so sending young players out on loan so that they get some games I suppose helps their development potentially.Personally, I would prefer to integrate the younger players and that includes the ones up to 22- or 23-ish with the squad and deal with what we've got. If they're good enough, they're old enough etc. Christy Ring 214 Posted 05/08/2025 at 07:52:25 I believe Dewsbury-Hall is a better buy than McAtee and cheaper, he's played in different positions for Man City, but in my opinion he hasn't played enough games to show if he's worth £40M. I know some will say if he can get into Man City's team, he must be good, but with Rodri missing last season, they were totally exposed in midfield and defence, and no one stood out. Andrew Ellams 215 Posted 05/08/2025 at 08:00:43 Chermiti may go on loan, David, but I'd be surprised if anybody else other than Harrison Armstrong did too. Robert Tressell 216 Posted 05/08/2025 at 08:05:45 If the standard is merely to improve the first XI, that's a very low bar. I would have thought it makes more sense to buy players with the talent for Europa League and ideally Champions League football – since that's what we are hopefully aiming for (and won't get there if our players aren't at that level). Unfortunately Patterson will probably be loaned as anyone weak enough to give him first team football (not Premier League or top end of Championship) will be unable to afford £5M – especially given injury risk. Lester Yip 217 Posted 05/08/2025 at 08:06:48 I like the fact that he's played a lot of games before joining Chelsea without injuries. Looks like a good all-round player with a good engine. Exactly what's needed to replace Doucoure but better technique. Steve Brown 218 Posted 05/08/2025 at 08:15:43 Onyango and Dixon reportedly heading to Stockport County, with Onyango possibly joining on a permanent deal and Dixon on loan. I can't see Armstrong, Patterson or Chermiti heading out on loan presently as we simply don't have the squad numbers. It would be good for all of them if it was possible, rather than spending a season watching from the bench at Everton. Ernie Baywood 219 Posted 05/08/2025 at 08:29:23 Mike #203 - when I talk about being sustainable, I mean actually sustainable. Beating PSR is only part of the problem.When Everton spend money, it's the club that incurs the cost. That's true regardless of whether you can offset for PSR. Our owner might be very wealthy but I doubt he'll be gifting when he could invest. Danny O'Neill 220 Posted 05/08/2025 at 08:35:33 Ian @213, there is a valid argument for the re-instatement of something like the Central League.I assume the powers that be thought that the U23s, now U21s would replicate it, but it isn't competitive. The Central League accommodated not just for young up and coming players, but they could play alongside seasoned professionals, who were either coming back from injury, or not playing enough first-team football. And it was at the same club.I've said many times, I wouldn't mind seeing the B-Team concept that is used in some countries on the continent, actually playing in the professional league structures.There are restrictions on promotion. Without looking it up, I think Barcelona B won promotion to La Liga, but couldn't get promoted because Barcelona were already there, so the place went to another club.I even think Real Madrid and Real Madrid Castilla (their B/Reserve team) played each other in a Spanish Cup final once. Germany has similar, but their system doesn't allow for the B-Teams to participate in the 3 professional Bundesliga, they play in their respective regional leagues and can't be promoted. It's still competitive league football though.There are a few ways of looking at it. I've often voiced, how about some of the bigger clubs adopt lower league teams. Not just as feeders, but somewhere that we can send players to and have them in one place, rather than scattered to the 4 winds on loan to separate clubs being coached in different ways. Everton would have a few regional options there and could assist with the coaching.That last one is similar to the B-Team concept, but sees the likes of us assisting lower league football. Some may see that as world domination by the bigger clubs, which I can see, but after a long-winded post, my view is that I would rather see our players in one place, playing competitive football. Sam Hoare 221 Posted 05/08/2025 at 09:05:41 I'm not convinced Dewsbury-Hall can play in a midfield 2 along with Gueye, maybe he proves me wrong but he's not yet done that successfully in the Premier League.He can play as a No 10 (or advanced Doucoure role) certainly and could do well there or perhaps even on the left or the right with overlapping full backs. But that still leaves us a little short in the middle with only Garner and Gana at Premier League level. I wonder if we'll still add there? Loan for Luiz? Apparently we bid for Dion Lopy who looks good. Andrew Ellams 222 Posted 05/08/2025 at 09:11:21 Danny, I've been banging the drum for the Central League for sometime now. The academy system clearly isn't working like it should so as a result any player who looks like they may have what it takes spends 2-3 years out on loans away from that competition anyway. Stewart Lowe 223 Posted 05/08/2025 at 09:14:54 For me, Dewsbury-Hall is fast and strong at taking the ball from deep and finding key passes in and around the opposition's box. He has started the prime years of his football career. He has played with a lot of quality players and has a recent taste of winning trophies.An absolute bargain for £29M including add-ons.As for Tyler Dibbling, I'd go no further than £50M. This lad has everything already, and just needs fine tuning with experience. He will be talked about for years to come. Get it done, Everton!!! John Keating 224 Posted 05/08/2025 at 09:18:01 Don't forget — footy is a team game. Having the best individual players playing in their best positions doesn't guarantee they'll finish top of the league.Look at our 1963 team. Our 70's team and then our 80's team: Reid, finished; Gray, finished; who'd heard of Bracewell? Sheedy, RS reject, the list is endless.Top dollar guarantees nothing. Stewart Lowe 225 Posted 05/08/2025 at 09:22:45 #224: Exactly. The most expensive team at the time in British football was the Keven Keegan 1990s team who were as expensive as Chelsea's today, but won absolutely nothing. Fantastic football on the eye though and was jealous when watching that brand of football at that time. Si Pulford 226 Posted 05/08/2025 at 09:33:06 Robert 216. Under Moyes's last season they got enough points to be knocking on the door of the Europa League (extrapolated over the season). Improving the first 11 should make that squad more competitive and hopefully in and around the Europa or Cconference league. I'll be honest though I find the comment strange. I think Slott, Arteta etc will start every transfer window with the express wish of strengthening the starting 11. What's the alternative? Weakening it? Nick Riddle 227 Posted 05/08/2025 at 10:00:17 Sam, could you expand a bit on your suggestion that Dewsbury-Hall might not be suited to play in a midfield 2? It looks as though you see him as an option out wide, but primarily as the Doucoure replacement, which if correct I'd agree leaves them light in central midfield. Do you think he could he play in a two with Alcaraz at No 10? For what it's worth Transfermarkt regards Alcarez's primary position to be central midfield, although everything I've seen about him suggests he's a 10/attacking midfielder without Doucoure's defensive qualities. Danny O'Neill 228 Posted 05/08/2025 at 10:14:44 Nick @227, I don't look at Transfermarkt unless I mistakingly click on a pop up, which I quickly close down.Anyone who has watched Alcaraz knows that he's not a central midfielder in the system Moyes has been playing.As always, opinions. He can be used wide in the attacking midfield 3, or his best position (my view), is as the central supporting striker. Number 10 in modern speak. John Williams 229 Posted 05/08/2025 at 10:15:13 Stewart @223.Obviously you like Dibling but, if he has all the qualities you have put in print, why is he still at Southampton and not Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs etc.Do Everton see something in the player that the above don't? Or do the above believe he does not have the attributes to suit their teams?I think sometimes, we go overboard about players and the Blues have often ended up with egg on their face. It's always going to be difficult for us to pick up the best players, because we are not up at the top and if we bring players through from youngsters, it's then difficult for us to hold on to them. Sam Hoare 230 Posted 05/08/2025 at 10:23:33 Nick @227, Dewsbury-Hall is a creative midfielder. He's hard working but I don't think he has the defensive instincts to play as a No 6 — especially alongside Gana who likes to roam and chase tackles. It would leave us too open, a little bit like when we saw Iroegbunam starting last season.I imagine Dewsbury-Hall will be used primarily in the Doucoure role but maybe that will change if we get an opportunity with Grealish. Either way, I'd worry about a Gana Dewsbury-Hall double pivot unless it was a match where we expected to have the majority of possession.He could play in an advanced role in a midfield 3 or as one of two shadow strikers as we saw in pre-season on occasion. I think he will combine well with Ndiaye. Jake FitzGerald 231 Posted 05/08/2025 at 10:26:47 Nick, fwiw,(with what we think we might have, hopefully by the end of tomorrow) I pictured a 4-3-3 with Gana centre, with Dewsbury-Hall and Alcaraz alongside, and Barry or Beto, Dibling and Ndiaye as a front 3. So Alcaraz drops back a bit, allowing Dewsbury-Hall to do a bit of box-to-box linking up and scoring. That's one option. Ian Bennett 232 Posted 05/08/2025 at 10:51:49 Sam, The Telegraph say Moyes is after two midfielders and two wingers.Dewesbury-Hall is a box to box player, and presumably the other will be a defensive midfielder. Garner did play deeper against United, and to be fair did do well. But its a big ask for him to last a season in that role.Dibbling the one winger, and presumably somebody else to compete for that slot on the right.There was no mention of a third keeper, another striker, centre-back or right-back which is probably needed. Bob Parrington 233 Posted 05/08/2025 at 10:56:34 Ian, Don't we need a riight-back? Or are we going to rely on O'Brien? – which I wouldn't mind. Conor McCourt 234 Posted 05/08/2025 at 10:58:15 Sam, since you've agreed with me, I thought I would return the favour. There seems a lot of delight at this signing and a bit of derision for those that have their doubts, yet you have echoed my worries.I don't even disagree with the strengths of Dewsbury-Hall that those who are strongly in favour put forward but I do put myself in the "lunatic" brigade that isn't really sure how he will fit in.Gana loves to press and relies on his athleticism to get him out of trouble (something Allan couldn't). I think a combo of Dewsbury-Hall and him in midfield would leave us exposed.Garner played as a 6 in the last match and played well. I could see them playing in a 3-man midfield, but then the likes of Ndiaye, McNeil, Alcaraz and Grealish (who we apparently want to build the team around) all prefer to play as a No 10 or behind the striker.When Dewsbury-Hall tore up the Championship, he played as a No 8 box-to-box but he was playing in the best team in the league, who had the majority of the ball with Ndidi behind and under a possession-based regime. Neither will happen here.I worry like you we are spending approximately a quarter or a fifth of our budget on a player who won't solve a problem we have even if he has more quality than others in his position. Of course, as you point out ,we don't know how the squad will look at the end of the window and he may turn out to be a piece rather than the kingpin. Sam Hoare 235 Posted 05/08/2025 at 11:02:53 Well put, Conor! This is very exciting. Paul Ferry and I turned from TW foes to friends. I hope history is about to repeat itself. Ian Bennett 236 Posted 05/08/2025 at 11:04:25 I'd like us to get one in, Bob, but would rather we were attracting quality elsewhere if it's a compromise.We need a collection of players that will get nearer to 60, than 40 goals. The defence is decent. Ryan Holroyd 237 Posted 05/08/2025 at 11:15:27 Southampton want £45M plus £5M in easy achievable add-ons and a 25% sell-on clause!!!Far too much!!!! Ryan Holroyd 238 Posted 05/08/2025 at 11:24:00 That is beyond what Everton would be looking to pay for the 19-year-old winger. Southampton have been informed of their intention to focus on other targets, who are being pursued in parallel, due to the wide valuation gap. Steve Brown 239 Posted 05/08/2025 at 11:24:51 The Dibling deal is dead.Time to move on quickly — Omari Hutchinson. Danny O'Neill 240 Posted 05/08/2025 at 11:29:04 I don't think us supporters need to concern ourselves with budget. None of us know how much it actually is.I appreciate it's all interesting chat, but so far this summer, I've read a range of views from "We haven't got a pot to piss in", to "We have £150M".The only ones who do know are TFG and the CEO, which will filter down to the recruitment team, including Moyes, to allow them to prioritise. Paul Hewitt 241 Posted 05/08/2025 at 11:31:53 Southampton have made a big mistake here. Going to have a very unhappy player. And if his form suffers in the Championship, he won't be worth half we offered. Jake FitzGerald 242 Posted 05/08/2025 at 11:38:46 Time for Everton to swoop in and get someone not on anyones radar, again. Stewart Lowe 243 Posted 05/08/2025 at 12:14:35 If I was Everton, I would only accept Southampton's counter offer of £45M + £5M add-ons + 25% sell-on fee, if that sell-on fee expires in 5 years and the duration of his initial contract is 5 yeas.I wouldn't accept that forever. Josh Horne 244 Posted 05/08/2025 at 12:17:39 I'm pretty impressed by Southampton's determination to keep their player. They are obviously very confident that a club with much deeper pockets are going to be following this up now, or in the next 12 months.If he is a superstar in 3 years time we are going to look back on this with deep regret, but it is too big a gamble for us right now. Sam Hoare 245 Posted 05/08/2025 at 12:40:47 Josh, that may depend on who we get instead. I seem to remember Spurs fans being gutted at missing out on Saido Berahino (exalted then as next big thing) and getting Son Heung-Min instead.Deal may still happen but, if not, I'm curious to see who's next on the list. Kunal Desai 246 Posted 05/08/2025 at 12:42:23 We've done the same to Branthwaite and kept firm in our valuation so fair play.Dibling is a good prospect but, in all seriousness, I think we can better value and experience elsewhere. Don't the recruitment team have a new set of 'data' which they can start using? Rob Halligan 247 Posted 05/08/2025 at 13:04:05 Good on the club for pulling the plug on Dibling. £50M is an awful lot to pay for an 19-year-old with potential. He might well come good in a year or two, but it's simply not worth the risk. Whoever comes in for him next will have the same problem, bid low, get rejected and bid a bit more. No club is going to come with a starting bid at £40M, so it's a bit of a dilemma for Southampton, sell for what we've bid, or be stuck with an unhappy player who clearly wants a quick return to the Premier League. I still think we may well come to an agreement with Southampton at the end of the day! Derek Knox 248 Posted 05/08/2025 at 13:06:36 Kunal, I would imagine it's a fine balancing act, every player purchase is a gamble to some degree. Some gel straight away, whereas others look like they have never played the game before.The other thing we have to be careful of, is NOT to sign too many African players, not that they are inferior, far from it, if they become an important part of the team, and we are doing well. Next thing they are off to AFCON for up to 6 weeks or so ! Neil Copeland 249 Posted 05/08/2025 at 13:17:55 Seems a lot pay for a player, who judging by some comments on here, is not a natural winger. I appreciate the potential demands a high price but I thought we need an out and out RW?Having said that I agree with Rob that we may still see him in a blue shirt,Jake 242, not sure if you are being sarcastic or not but yes, if only……. James Marshall 250 Posted 05/08/2025 at 13:22:03 I'd imagine we'll be well in for Grealish if the Dibling deal is dead.I think I read somewhere it'd cost us about £8m for one season which if you think about it is not a bad deal. Ian Bennett 251 Posted 05/08/2025 at 13:26:10 The sell on, is only on 25% profit over the purchase price.So if you bought for £50m, and sold for £54m, then its £1m pay away - not 25% of £54m. Robert Tressell 252 Posted 05/08/2025 at 13:27:56 After Dibling it is probably:- Kubo- Henrique - Bobb- Bakwa- Nuahmah- Egeli- DoakPrices probably range from £22m to £45m. I dont think any of these players are as good as Hutchinson or Dibling.Forest obviously gave up trying to get a class act for the RW spot and spent £40m on Ndoye. He is good but mostly reliant on hard work and pace rather than real talent. Wouldnt rule out Hutchinson or Dibling still signing but much later in the window. Jake FitzGerald 253 Posted 05/08/2025 at 13:43:50 Not sarcastic at all, Neil: Dewsbury-Hall, Anzou, Alcaraz, were pretty much spring on us out of nowhere. Id love it if they unearthed a genius, flying winger from the Argentinian leagues for £15 million. Except its going to be Tom Fellows, isnt it. Terry Farrell 254 Posted 05/08/2025 at 13:51:07 Si I was more referring to KDH not breaking in to Chelsea so imo hes a decent player but similar to what we have so we've spent big money on someone who may not improve our midfield. Feels similar to what we all know we did a few years ago. Hope I'm wrong and he proves Chelsea wrong also! Neil Copeland 255 Posted 05/08/2025 at 14:46:04 Jake, yes, I see your point and could probably add Ndiaye although we had been linked previously to him.Me too and probably. I would really like us to get Dibling but at the right price and I said earlier in the thread, not 100% sure he is the answer for the right wing. I see him as potential more than anything, exciting prospect all the same. Ryan Holroyd 256 Posted 05/08/2025 at 14:51:50 We've been knocked back all summer by players left, right and centre. Dibling is the now clearly the number one target for the right wing.I really hope this deal gets completed Brian Harrison 257 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:03:31 I would think the only way this deal could happen is if Dibling told Southampton he wants to be allowed to talk to Everton. I would love to know what he is on at Southampton compared to what he would have been offered by Everton. Paul Kossoff 258 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:10:11 Brian 257, apparently he's on £5,000 a week. Southampton now have upped the fee for Dibling to £50M, according to The Guardian. Only one thing to do now, tell them to fuck off! Must be as good, or more experienced players to look at. Apparently Dibling wants to come to Everton, so he needs to throw his toys out of the pram, down tools and put in a transfer request. I've seen the video highlights of him and he looks brilliant but seems to want to beat as many opponents as possible. Would I pay £40M? Yes; £50 million? Nope. If one of the Big Six get him, expect half way through the season to see him mentioned as one of the substitutes; I think he knows that. Bill Watson 259 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:17:10 Unlike the previous regime, the Friedkin Group appear well able to manage our finances. With that in mind, I don't care how much we pay for Dibling et al as, apart from the price of my season ticket, it's not coming out of my pocket! Ryan Holroyd 260 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:19:09 I reckon Grealish signing on loan this week will soften the blow!!!!! Justin Doone 261 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:22:09 Players like Dibling and Grealish are rare these days. Talented players with one of their major assets being free to find space to play in. Sadly football is becoming more like a tactical game of chess with players restricted in doing a role for the team shape. I'd rather take Grealish on a season long loan than Dibling for £40M plus. Grealish is a proven top class player, a good technical dribbler and along with Ndiaye can create and score goals out of nothing.I'm not convinced either fit into a Moyes team or work hard enough off the ball. Would Grealish come to a club not playing European football? I'm doubtful, but he'd be a good signing. Dibling is potentially as good as Grealish in a season or two but has a lot to prove and I'm not convinced he would add much to Everton until the season after next. Ian Wilkins 262 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:56:14 When Man Utd are paying £70-£80M for players, Liverpool £100-120M, it all impacts the market and expectations from selling clubs. It's not helpful. Everything else becomes relative to these benchmarks. PSR has made a mockery of things, the Premier League has never been more distorted and inequitable. Ed Prytherch 263 Posted 05/08/2025 at 15:58:01 I am happy that the Dewsbury-Hall deal is near completion. He can play a similar role to Doucoure, driving out of defence but with a much better final pass. It was frustrating to watch Doucs give the ball away to end a promising breakout. And he will not be going to the African Cup of Nations nor be short of energy during Ramadan. Sam Hoare 264 Posted 05/08/2025 at 16:09:10 Robert @252, I'm a big fan of Bakwa personally! What about Odobert or Catamo? I'd be tempted by Fatawu at Leicester too now he's back from injury. Probably get him for around £20M and he has electric pace. Mike Powell 265 Posted 05/08/2025 at 16:10:29 Dibling is a no-brainer, the lad is gonna be top drawer.Pay the £50M before some other team gets him. He will be a £100M+ player in the future, get him signed! Robert Tressell 266 Posted 05/08/2025 at 16:32:14 Sam # 264 you've been talking up Bakwa and Guessand all summer and both would be really good. I haven't really seen a lot of Bakwa but maybe his new team mate Ishe Samuels-Smith can put in a good word. I wouldn't say no to Fatuwu – and thought Sulemana would have been a good signing too. Pace can make a big difference.I guess we've also now moved into an era where third-tier Brum can pay £15M for players, Championship sides can pay £20M for players, and Sunderland £30M. There are still bargains to be had but £40M is starting to look like a fairly run of the mill sum of money in this extraordinary market. When I started writing articles about 5 years ago, saying we should focus on younger £10M to £20M singings – that was a realistic price range. It is much, much harder to operate like that now. Rob Halligan 269 Posted 05/08/2025 at 16:45:34 Pay the £50M and give him an 8-year contract. In 2 or 3 years, pay the £5M add-on. In about 5 years, sell him for £55,000,001. We get our money back, with a £1 profit, and give Southampton 25p. See how they like that!! Danny O'Neill 270 Posted 05/08/2025 at 16:51:35 Interesting debate on Dibling, now spread over 3 threads of the same subject.Observations?Some think he's the next Cristiano Ronaldo (sweeping statement, not a judgement on anyone's view) and we should pay whatever Southampton ask, even if they keep upping the cost. Southampton will be trying to get the best price, I get that.Others believe Everton are right in having their valuation limit before moving on to something else.I'm more with the latter. Don't be held to ransom. This could be mind games by TFG, and as others have said, if there are no other takers, Southampton could well come back.If this ends up being a deal, then hold our nerve. Andy Crooks 271 Posted 05/08/2025 at 16:53:00 Why are we, as supporters, debating and discussing amounts of £5 million etc?It is not our job or concern because we are totally irrelevant in this matter.It's not going to break us and it just might make us. Kieran Kinsella 272 Posted 05/08/2025 at 16:56:32 Andy,You could say that about anything though. Team selection, tactics, timing of subs, none of these things are our job or concern and we are irrelevant on all matters. But we are fans so we like to pontificate. Geoff Lambert 273 Posted 05/08/2025 at 19:21:25 Just leave the player valuations to our newly assembled board of experts who should know what they can and can't afford and whether it is worth the amount that is being asked for said player/s. Mike Gaynes 274 Posted 05/08/2025 at 19:38:28 Andy #271, agreed. I haven't the slightest idea what makes a player worth £40m but not £45m. And I'm glad it's not my decision. But I enjoy the debates here anyway. David Williams 275 Posted 05/08/2025 at 19:39:12 Dibble the dribble will end up at Everton. Don't worry, Blues, we will win this Mexican stand-off! Colin Glassar 276 Posted 05/08/2025 at 19:40:22 Dibling is refusing to train, according to “sources”.Im not a fan of players doing this to force a move. I still hope we get him though. If not, move on, pronto!Hope youre right, David. Neil Copeland 277 Posted 05/08/2025 at 19:44:00 Southampton will probably accuse us of unsettling the player. I don't blame them for holding out for as much as possible but it may not end well for them if they continue to dig their heels in. Raymond Fox 278 Posted 05/08/2025 at 19:54:06 There's always the danger of another club coming in for Dibling.I do think they are asking too much for him though, but I'd like to see him in an Everton shirt. Jay Hughes 279 Posted 05/08/2025 at 20:05:48 Just wondering…If Dibling was our player and Chelsea or some other twits were sniffing around, how much would we want? Sam Hoare 280 Posted 05/08/2025 at 20:27:22 Evan Guessand, the RW/ST I've been suggesting all summer ,is signing for Villa for £30M. Not sure how much game time he'll get there but would have done a good job for us I reckon. Danny O'Neill 281 Posted 05/08/2025 at 20:32:22 Jay @279.Different scenario, as we didn't have any formal enquiries, just a few sniffs around Branthwaite. Seems we were clear, that firstly, we are not selling, and secondly, this is how much it would take to even consider. A bit different with Southampton and Dibling. They are open to selling and the player wants to leave.That means we have room to negotiate on our terms and meet them in some middle ground. Robert Tressell 282 Posted 05/08/2025 at 20:37:59 Jay # 279 - if Dibling had just had that same breakthrough season for us, I think we on ToffeeWeb would be talking about a generational talent worth £70M to £100M already. Saints don't want to sell and probably don't need to either with the parachute payment. So there won't be a rock bottom price. He is exceptionally talented. Not many teenagers of his quality in world football. I've seen suggestions to get the same sort of player from Argentina instead. Well Real just paid €45M for Argentine teenager Mastantuono who plays in a similar style and position. £45M isn't a big fee these days. Ian Bennett 283 Posted 05/08/2025 at 20:38:22 Man Utd tried to get Branthwaite on the cheap last summer. Danny O'Neill 284 Posted 05/08/2025 at 20:45:59 I think Southampton will be looking at gambling on keeping a player who may not help them bounce straight back up.Add to that, he will be into the last 12 months of his contract, they would stand to lose for a lot less on an unhappy player.If they come back, or we go back, I think we're in a fairly strong bargaining position. Ray Jacques 285 Posted 05/08/2025 at 20:49:03 We could make a cheeky offer for Calvert-Lewin. He doesn't seem to have any takers unless I've missed something! Frank Thomas 286 Posted 05/08/2025 at 20:55:45 I think Southampton are playing a very dangerous game. The lad at 19 has only two years left on his contract. If they wait until next season and fail in their gamble for promotion then no one is going to pay £30M when they can sign a pre contract in January 2027 and have him for nothing in June 2027.So the saints could lose £50M and still not get promoted.I was initially against paying £45M but, having seen the rest of our current jigsaw, he might be an inspired fit. With a top four defence and Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Dibling, Barry and Beto all capable of scoring 8 goals each with their eyes for goal, we could find ourselves in Europe. If an irrefusable offer was made to us, we could as others have said, sell him in the future and make some money. Fofana and Kubo (I like both) would see us get our monies back but Grealish would see us take a massive hit.The other key thing is the lad wants to come to us. I agree with Ray (above) it would not surprise me if we re-signed Calvert-Lewin at his old rate. Mike Gaynes 287 Posted 05/08/2025 at 21:02:03 Supposedly, Calvert-Lewin has a job at Sunderland for the asking. Ryan Holroyd 288 Posted 05/08/2025 at 21:06:03 Spot on, Robert.We won't get a chance of signing him next season. It's now or never with this lad. It's okay saying move on to someone else. We've tried that all summer and hit no one. We don't want to be going down the Tom Fellows route just because it's easier to do. Rob Halligan 289 Posted 05/08/2025 at 21:13:03 Well, if we're going to get Dibling, then we better move sharpish, because Football Insider are reporting that the Skunks may make a move for him. How reliable they are I don't know… hopefully about as reliable as Goodison NewsNow! Ron Marr 290 Posted 05/08/2025 at 21:31:55 Johannes Spors is the Group Technical Director at Southampton, yes the same guy who was Global Sporting Director for 777 Partners and attended games at Goodison.I agree with Robert and Ryan, let's get Dibling signed. Michael Burke 291 Posted 05/08/2025 at 21:37:02 Rob, they've just bought Elanga for £55M so they have 2 right forwards now. They won't be going for Dibling. They need a ready-made centre-forward, not potential. Centre-midfield and a centre-back are their other areas to strengthen. I'm not worried about them joining a bidding war! Mike Doyle 292 Posted 05/08/2025 at 21:58:19 Rob. The team most likely to join the bidding for Dibling is probably Chelsea - as their current strategy seems to be to buy everything that is or might be available. Mal van Schaick 293 Posted 05/08/2025 at 22:01:08 Jackson of Chelsea would be a great addition. Bobby Mallon 294 Posted 05/08/2025 at 22:09:01 Has this fella signed yet. Ffs why does it take so long to buy players at everton Les Callan 295 Posted 05/08/2025 at 22:20:00 Good god Mal, do you really believe that ? Colin Glassar 296 Posted 05/08/2025 at 22:34:45 Jackson is worse than Beto, Mal. And thats saying something. Bill Watson 297 Posted 05/08/2025 at 23:21:49 Mal; I take it you were joking!! Ernie Baywood 298 Posted 05/08/2025 at 23:23:44 Funny how, when there's a protracted negotiation, we believe that clubs are acting underhand in trying to take our players on the cheap, while we just encounter selling clubs who are unrealistic. Gut feel is this one rumbles on and on until deadline day. Maybe a middle ground gets reached where both parties are comfortable that they've given and received enough ground. Alex Parr 299 Posted 05/08/2025 at 23:34:18 Jackson is defo not worse than Beto Colin Glassar 300 Posted 05/08/2025 at 23:37:24 Youre right, Alex. Jackson is definitely not worse than poor Beto. Ryan Holroyd 301 Posted 05/08/2025 at 23:49:16 Jackson is much better then Beto. Only because Beto is woeful. Frank Thomas 302 Posted 05/08/2025 at 00:23:00 Time to get creative with Southampton.Ekitike 33 Games 15 Goals + 8 assists Total £69M + £6M = 75MKubo. 36 Games 5 Goals + 3 assists Total £48MFofana 29 Games 5 Goals + 4 assists. Total.£42MDibling 33 Games 2 Goals + 1 assist Total £45M + £5M+ ? = £50M +?So if they think he so is top notch then he could score 20 goals in a season and they will have sold him for £60M consisting of £40M upfront +£20M add-ons after he scores 20 premiership goals for us. + 10% sell on. Mark Taylor 303 Posted 06/08/2025 at 00:26:58 The Dibling thing is a game of poker. Sure he's good but S'hampton need to sell him this window or risk losing huge value especially as he appears to be not happy being blocked from moving. No-one else appears to be queuing up for him, he's not that good. Who blinks first? I hope not us.Reminds me in a way of DCL. Before he got injured (again) he had what seemed to be a high chance of a move to the barcodes on decent wages. Now he is unwanted and more likely to end up at the likes of Sunderland. The poker plays are both ways Mike Gaynes 304 Posted 06/08/2025 at 04:41:52 Jackson? Awful.He's not hit-or-miss. He's sitter-miss. Neil Cremin 305 Posted 06/08/2025 at 07:24:38 I know we must move on but I see Rangers new wingers Djeidi Gassama or Oliver Antman have the fans drooling over how exciting they were last nigh Robert Tressell 306 Posted 06/08/2025 at 07:35:42 Jackson is a much better footballer than Beto. It took Cunha until he was 25 to get a decent goal haul after lousy stats at Hertha Berlin and Athletico. But you could see the talent. Jackson isnt in that league probably but he is talented. Ray Jacques 307 Posted 06/08/2025 at 08:53:19 Id sooner have Michael, Jermaine, Janet or Tito Jackson.. Sorry cant remember the names of the others. Mark Murphy 308 Posted 06/08/2025 at 09:22:17 Bernard, Ray.Of the lot of them Id only consider Janet but each to their own mate! Derek Taylor 309 Posted 06/08/2025 at 13:33:45 Neil Cremin @ 305. Totally agree with you. Both those Rangers' wingers were there for the signing and within Everton's budget.Can't say I'm much impressed with our club's new 'flat' recruitment structure although I see yet another 'top man' took office last week !Does it really take half a dozen 'no marks' to replace the sacked DoF ? Si Cooper 310 Posted 06/08/2025 at 13:55:28 Neil and Derek,Is the Czech league a strong one? James Marshall 311 Posted 06/08/2025 at 14:43:24 I see this is confirmed now. Done deal, photos in the shirt, best club in the world, best fans etc.. Only kidding. I don't think he said that.Great to have him sign though. I think he's going to be a cracking player for us. John Keating 312 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:05:29 Good good signing. Upgrade on Doucoure Bobby Mallon 313 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:07:04 Great signing this good good player Ed Prytherch 314 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:34:29 Yes John Keating, and most likely on lower wages and he will not be absent during the African Nations cup.A good signing. Robert Tressell 315 Posted 06/08/2025 at 16:18:49 Good point at 310, Si. I doubt Rangers new wingers would be good enough to start at any Premier League club and may even struggle to get minutes anywhere as subs. The standard of Scottish football is mostly inferior to the Championship. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW © ToffeeWeb