Dibling scored his first Premier League goal on Saturday during Southampton’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. Martin suggested that Saints could look to strengthen their already strong position on Dibling’s contract, which is set until 2026 with an option for an extra year. Clubs have previously shown heavy interest in Dibling, with Chelsea even prying him away from Southampton’s academy before he opted to return to the south coast soon after. The boss insisted his job is to ensure Dibling can continue to enjoy his football while thriving in the system.
Russell Martin said “I think when you’re 18 and you’re playing in the Premier League at the level he has, then every club in the world probably looks at you. He’s ours. The club have turned down bids for him previously since I’ve been here. It’s not a secret to people who have watched under-21s football. He left the club and didn’t enjoy it where he went so he came back. We ultimately want what’s best for him and he has a great support network around him. We have to make sure he is constantly enjoying it and that we are playing a style that he can flourish in. The speculation is nothing for him or for me. We are in a strong position and I’m sure we will look at securing and strengthening that even more. If he carries on doing what he is doing then he will deserve that. He just needs to focus on football and concentrate on what he is doing.”
