Will Still comments on futures of Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes after Southampton win vs Wrexham

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Southampton sealed a 2-1 comeback victory at home to Wrexham in their first game of the 2025/26 Championship season.

The 2025/26 Championship season for Southampton and Wrexham began dramatically with the Saints’ 2-1 comeback victory.

Wrexham went one-nil up after Josh Windass’ penalty which was earned from a Ronnie Edwards foul on Kieffer Moore.

In the second half, the tide turned for Southampton thanks to a stunning long-range free-kick from substitute Ryan Manning.

Minutes later in injury time, Saints defender Jack Stephens scored the winner to secure all three points.

After the game, Will Still commented on the future of two in-demand Southampton stars that did not start against the Red Dragons.

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Will Still comments on future of Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes

Eyes were on Still’s squad selection for his Championship game in charge, and two glaring omissions were made from the starting eleven.

With Atletico Madrid tracking Mateus Fernandes and Tyler Dibling linked with Everton, both of the Saints stars were absent from Still’s XI.

Fernandes was introduced as a second half substitute before the comeback was secured, and Dibling was not in the match-day squad at all.

When speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Still lifted the lid on the transfer latest regarding the Saints duo.

When asked if he was hopeful that Fernandes will stay, Still said: “That’s a million dollar question, isn’t it?

“He’s a good player, there’s definitely going to be interest there for him, there are other good players in the squad that there’s interest for.

“I think Matty (Fernandes) wasn’t quite ready to start, we had to bring him on in the game. Time will tell.”

When probed about Dibling and what his absence meant, Still added: “He just wasn’t in a headspace where he was able to play and give us something, so I preferred to prioritise the team.

“I think team is always going to be the most important. We’ll see what comes of it. If nothing happens, then he’s a Southampton player, so good for us.”

It was no coincidence that Southampton turned the tide against Wrexham after Fernandes’ introduction.

Despite the in-demand youngster only making a short cameo, he made a decisive impact.

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Mateus Fernandes made big difference for Southampton vs Wrexham

With Southampton struggling to break down the resolute Wrexham defence, Still introduced Fernandes with just over half an hour left on the clock.

Despite playing only 31 minutes, the inventive Portuguese midfielder made a positive impact on proceedings to help turn the tide back in Southampton’s favour.

Southampton value Fernandes at £30m, so it will take a sizeable offer for the Saints hierarchy to part with the attacking midfielder.

With the positivity seeping around St Mary’s after the comeback win in Still’s first Championship game in charge, Still will be hoping to call on Fernandes’ services next weekend at Ipswich Town.