Tyler Dibling development showcases what Sunderland need to do this summer
Sunderland have had a number of their young talented players linked with a move away this summer.
As for now, the only focus for Sunderland will be on achieving promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in 2017.
Only then will Sunderland turn attention to any recruitment decisions that will be made in the summer transfer window.
The likes of Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg have already been linked with moves away from the Stadium of Light, with the latest update on Southampton’s Dibling setting the bar for their expectations ahead of the coming months.
Sunderland must hold firm this summer
If promotion is achieved, Sunderland are unlikely to have any issues retaining their key talent, though a failure to do that could see several players depart from the Stadium of Light.
Rigg was tipped for a £10million move to West Ham, but with Southampton holding out for upwards of £100 million for Dibling [Telegraph], that price tag needs to be upped massively.
| Southampton | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Tyler Dibling | 25 | 2 | 0 |
Of course, Dibling will be valued higher given his experience in the Premier League, but there is no reason that Sunderland could not be holding out for at least £30-£50 million for their own young English talent.
Despite having recorded a loss in their latest financial accounts at Sunderland, they won’t be in an immediate position where they are forced to sell players to comply with FFP, though if they were remaining in the Championship, it is likely to be considered to some extent.
Sunderland must learn from past mistakes
Under the current regime, young players have been rewarded for their form and allowed the opportunity to develop in the first team.
However, in the past, players like Rigg have been allowed to exit for next to nothing in terms of monetary value, and that can’t happen this summer.
If Sunderland fail to get back to the place where many perceive they belong, player sales must only be done so in the best interest of the club, and quite frankly, selling someone like Rigg for the mooted price would be far from that.