What happened to Everton's £40m signing Dibling?

The curious case of Tyler Dibling - BBC Sport chief football writers asks what has happened to Everton's £40m youngster and what does the future hold? By Phil McNulty Chief football writer When a £100m price tag was attached to Tyler Dibling as speculation raged about his future at Southampton, the youngster admitted it became a running joke among his team-mates. When Dibling did eventually move, following links to Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leipzig among others, it was to Everton in a £40m deal that made him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history. Dibling was hailed as a generational talent who would become a central component in Everton 's new era at their magnificent Hill Dickinson Stadium under manager David Moyes in his second spell at the club. Dibling was overlooked when Jack Grealish, whose own socks down, dribbling style drew comparisons between the pair, suffered a season-ending foot injury.

So what has led to the curious disappearance of Dibling and what does the future hold? At Everton and beyond, Dibling's future is still regarded as bright, not just at club level but also potentially at England level. Football Association sources reveal how highly Dibling is regarded by England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley, who has made him a regular as they aim to retain the European Championship title they won in 2023. Dibling is an introverted character, and while Everton might have wanted more from his first campaign, there are no questions about his future. Moyes is certainly not panicking, although he now insists he wants Dibling to improve.

"He'll have to do better, I think," said Moyes. He's important to us. Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman, who played under Moyes during his first spell in charge at the club, understands the youngster's situation and has sympathy. I would expect him to come back at the start of next pre-season looking like he's ready to challenge for a first-team place. "And he's doing that with the weight of expectation that comes with huge price tag, with people expecting him in to deliver every single time in a completely different culture of football club.

He said: "There is no doubt as we saw from his time at Southampton, that Dibling is a huge talent, very naturally gifted, dribbles brilliantly with the football. He knows talent. I think his character knowledge has certainly risen since his time away from Everton because he's kept up to date with the modern player. "He's kept himself young by keeping that next generation around him, so he does understand this generation. Dibling also knows loan signing George from England Under-21 duty and a short spell at Chelsea – although he is also increasing competition for places in the wide areas.

"When a club like Everton pay £40m for someone, they expect that £40m signing to be in the first team straight away, but that same modern market means you have to pay a lot of money as premium for these young kids with Dibling's talent. "I would be absolutely amazed if Dibling wasn't at Everton next season and be expected to progress and be part of the of the team. He's got incredible potential. "It's been a season of development, but that £40m price tag amplifies expectations and everything that goes with it." The curious case of Tyler Dibling - BBC Sport chief football writers asks what has happened to Everton's £40m youngster and what does the future hold? What happened to Everton's £40m signing Dibling?