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Tottenham summer target drawing Paul Gascoigne comparisons; Can Daniel Levy work his magic?

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 6:43 PM ET

Tottenham Hotspur are battling European giants for the signing of Southampton’s highly-rated talent Tyler Dibling

It is now an open secret that Tottenham Hotspur will prioritise signing a winger in the upcoming summer transfer window. The need for added dynamism, flair, pace, and creativity in wide areas has become increasingly evident this season, with the current options failing to consistently deliver the goods.

Son Heung-min’s powers are waning and could be moved on at the end of the season, along with Richarlison, who is reportedly keen to move to Saudi Arabia. Timo Werner’s loan will not be turned into a permanent deal, so he should return to RB Leipzig in June. With the futures of several senior players uncertain, Spurs are eager to bring in fresh blood that can rejuvenate their attack.

Tottenham Hotspur are among the admirers of the talents of Tyler Dibling. They want to sign the versatile winger this summer, hoping to take advantage of Southampton’s situation.

The North Londoners were interested in signing the England youth international during the winter transfer window, but Southampton were reluctant to let him leave amid their fight against relegation. But with the Saints now relegated, the teenager is certain to head into the summer window as one of the most coveted commodities.

Tyler Dibling has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in English football. He has been the Saints’ best player in an otherwise dismal Premier League campaign. The South Coast side have won just twice all season, but the Exeter-born prodigy’s performances continue to be a rare bright spark.

The versatile attacker has scored two goals in 28 games in his breakout top-flight season thus far. Whilst just 19, Dibling has been a nightmare to contain for the defenders. His ability to get out of tight spaces and dribble his way from the marker before threading a pass through the eye of a needle in the final third has been truly impressive.

And perhaps that is why former Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has compared Dibling with Spurs great Paul Gascoigne. Speaking on the Premier League’s YouTube channel , Walcott lauded Dibling’s talent and potential whilst discussing the top-flight’s best young stars. The English pundit claimed that the Southampton starlet is the closest player he has seen to Gascoigne recently, while also drawing comparisons with Manchester City star Jack Grealish.

“Do you know what, he’s the closest to a Gascoigne type or a Grealish type. He doesn’t just like to go forward, he likes to track back, the things I would despise to be honest. He’ll probably end up getting a move sadly, but it’s the sign of an academy that has produced some really good players,” Walcott said.

As per many fans, Gascoigne is the best midfielder ever in English football. So, Walcott comparing Dibling to the former England international is huge praise.

The Southampton man is exactly the kind of player that Tottenham should target during the summer. Dibling’s close control, technical ability and creativity, along with versatility, make him a player capable of making an instant impact.

While he fits the bill that the Lilywhites desires, signing him will be a difficult task as the Englishman is wanted by several top Premier League bigwigs as well as European teams.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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