Premier League manager gives stance on Newcastle United target’s Chelsea transfer decision

Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhutl has explained the reasons why Newcastle United transfer target Tyler Dibling opted to return to the club after a short-lived move to Chelsea.

The England Under-16 star produced a stunning display at capture Newcastle’s interest when he netted a hat-trick as the Saints Under-23s claimed a 4-2 win over the Magpies counterparts.

The youngster’s progression continued when he trained alongside Hassenhutl’s senior players and he looked set for a big future at St Marys.

However, the 16-year-old joined Chelsea earlier this summer in a deal believed to be worth around £1.5million.

Dibling confirmed the move on Twitter, saying: “Just want to say a massive thank you to all the staff and players at Southampton for these last 10 years at the club.

“I’m forever grateful for the opportunities that have been handed to me and wish the club all the best. I’m excited to join Chelsea and can’t wait to get started.”

But his time with the Stamford Bridge club would be short and he returned to Southampton on transfer deadline day after reportedly struggling to settle in London.

Saints boss Hassenhutl believes his young star will learn from the experience as he looks to progress in his career.

He told The Athletic: “This is maybe an example of needing to listen a little bit more to what experienced people in the club are telling you.

“Then you don’t do things that don’t help you in your development as a player.

“This can be a message for some other players also — it is not always the big club that is immediately helping you.

“Sometimes it’s better to stay in an environment where you feel at home and where everybody does everything for you.

“And I’m sure that you get here a very good development in your game. There’s a reason why in England I think you say the grass is not always greener somewhere else.”

Newcastle could come up against Dibling once again when they host Southampton Under-23s on Sunday 23rd October.