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Credit: Imago

Chris Smith

Sun 3 August 2025 17:40, UK

Everton may turn their attention back to Malick Fofana amid the danger of being priced out of the Tyler Dibling race.

Dibling was one of the few bright sparks in a miserable 2024/25 season for the Saints, who were relegated from the Premier League with just 12 points and two wins to their name.

The 19-year-old forward netted two Premier League goals and another two in the FA Cup, while also registering two assists in the EFL Cup.

Dibling also averaged 2.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, finishing second only to Kamaldeen Sulemana (2.5, FotMob).

Naturally, Dibling‘s contributions to a struggling team at such a young age have sparked speculation about a summer move back to the Premier League.

Photo Credit: Imago

Everton and Tottenham are among the clubs understood to be pursuing Dibling.

Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke has revealed the Toffees now stand a stronger chance after Southampton lowered their valuation, but that a £45-50million price tag will remain an ‘obstacle’.

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Southampton have already rejected an opening offer of £27m from Everton, while Tottenham have dropped out of the race for now as they’re unwilling to meet the club’s demands.

A £50m price tag is steep enough, but way down from the £100m Saints were originally understood to be demanding, in a clear effort to keep Dibling as they seek an immediate promotion back out of the Championship.

Everton have shown interest in Malick Fofana (Credit: Imago)

It’s clear Southampton will do everything they can to keep hold of Dibling, and as talented as the teenager is, even £50m is a huge amount for any club to pay for a player with just 33 games and two goals under his belt in the Premier League.

With that in mind, Everton could look to revive their interest in Malick Fofana as a more proven alternative to the rookie Dibling.

2024/25 statsMalick FofanaTyler DiblingAppearances4138Goals114Assists52Malick Fofana vs Tyler Dibling in 2024/25 (all comps)

At just 20 years old, Fofana is by no means what you’d call ‘experienced.

However, he’s definitely earned more stripes than Dibling, registering 20 goals in 126 senior club appearances for Lyon and Gent combined — including 11 goals in 41 outings for the French side last season — while he also debuted for Belgium against Italy in October.

It’s thought Fofana ‘has his heart set‘ on a move to a Champions League team, and Merseyside rivals Liverpool are thought to be admirers.

However, the Reds are still working hard on a deal for Alexander Isak, while Rodrygo is another star heavily linked with an Anfield switch, which would close the door for Fofana.

Everton could seek to use that to their advantage, bringing Fofana to the Premier League, where he could prove himself to the plethora of Champions League sides who will still be watching.

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