Manchester City might’ve gone trophyless in 2024/25 (yes, really), but that doesn’t mean Pep Guardiola’s vision board isn’t already plotting next season’s resurrection. And amid the Etihad’s summer revamp whispers, the spotlight has swerved unexpectedly toward Southampton’s teenage winger. Wright compares Tyler Dibling to Jack Grealish—and just like that, the rumour mill caught fire.
Now, before City fans start ordering shirts with “DIBLING 10” on the back, let’s slow-roll the hype train. Sure, the 19-year-old has swagger, low socks, and silky dribbling, but can he fill Grealish’s headband and boots? Ian Wright seems to think so, saying Dibling brings that same “energy” on the pitch. He didn’t specify if that includes Grealish’s penchant for being fouled every 90 seconds, but we’ll assume yes.
Wright’s take: Is Dibling Pep’s type?
On The Kelly & Wrighty Show, Darren Lewis named Dibling a “player to watch.” Wright, clearly channeling his inner scout, responded faster than a VAR offside flag: “He has Jack Grealish energy.” Translation? He’s stylish, a little cheeky, and very, very good with a football at his feet.
And yes, Wright compares Tyler Dibling to Jack Grealish again here too—because one mention simply isn’t enough for football Twitter to implode.
A Grealish clone or Grealish 2.0?
Let’s look at the numbers: Grealish had 3 goals and 5 assists in 1,521 minutes. Dibling? 4 goals, 3 assists in over 2,200 minutes. Not exactly Kylian Mbappé stats, but we’re talking potential here, not Premier League Player of the Year—yet.
The price tag plot twist
Of course, Southampton want over £100 million. That’s right—one hundred million pounds. For a teenager. From a relegated club. It’s the transfer market equivalent of trying to sell a used Vauxhall for Ferrari money.
Final whistle thoughts
Wright compares Tyler Dibling to Jack Grealish with enough conviction to make you think the deal’s already done. But unless the Saints drop that price faster than Grealish draws a foul, Pep may keep browsing. Either way, next season’s City could be very different—and quite possibly, a bit more Dibling-ish.
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