Russell Martin insists Newcastle United target, once valued at £100m, will be ‘worth every penny’

Southampton’s return to the Championship was confirmed with seven games still left to play—an outcome reflective of a dismal campaign from a side that has largely underperformed all season.

Yet amid the disappointment, one bright spark has emerged: the rise of teenage talent Tyler Dibling.

The young English midfielder has been a rare highlight in an otherwise bleak season for the Saints.

Newcastle United have been tracking Dibling since he stunned their U21s with a hat trick at just 16 years old.

Now, after seeing him adapt to the demands of Premier League football, the Magpies are reportedly considering a summer move for the 19-year-old.

Initially, Southampton placed a hefty £100 million price tag on Dibling to deter suitors, but a more realistic figure of around £35 million is now circulating.

That said, competition for his signature is expected to be fierce, which could see his price rise.

Former Saints manager Russell Martin spoke highly of Dibling during his appearance on The Rest Is Football podcast, showering the youngster with praise.

“Tyler has everything needed to play for England and at the highest level for years to come,” Martin said. “He’s fast, powerful, and two-footed. Physically, players just bounce off him.

“He brings something rare to the table—an ability to swivel and move in tight spaces from midfield that I haven’t seen in a British player in a long time.

“He’ll most likely settle into a number eight or ten role, but he’s versatile—he can play out wide or even as a false nine.

He did that for us in pre-season and was the standout performer.

“He’s an incredible young man, but he’ll need the right environment and playing style to truly reach his potential.

“He won’t come cheap, but he’ll be worth every penny.”

While there’s no certainty around his final transfer fee, Newcastle should be among the clubs pushing hardest to land him.

Dibling is one of the few players who can walk away from Southampton’s relegation with his reputation intact, having shown maturity and consistency well beyond his years.

At just 19, he’s likely to have his choice of top clubs this summer.

Newcastle will be hoping their early interest and strong season performance will help convince him to head north.

However, one potential obstacle remains—his struggle with homesickness.

Dibling famously returned to Southampton just three months after a move to Chelsea, suggesting that being too far from home might still be an issue.

Still, if he’s ready to take the leap, Newcastle would be a perfect next step in his promising career.