Newport County have completed the signing of Fulham midfielder Matt Dibley-Dias on a short-term loan deal, bringing the 22-year-old New Zealand-born player to the club as they strengthen their midfield options in the final stages of the summer transfer window.
The move reunites Dibley-Dias with Newport head coach Hayden Mullins, who previously managed Fulham's under-21 side where the midfielder made 31 appearances across two seasons. Dibley-Dias becomes Newport's 11th signing of the summer and arrives with significant pedigree from his time in the Cottagers' academy.
Background at Fulham
Dibley-Dias joined Fulham at age 14 and has progressed through the club's youth system to earn recognition at senior level. He signed his first professional contract in 2021 and was named Johnny Haynes Academy Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season. During his time under Mullins at under-21 level, he was part of the squad that won the Premier League Cup in 2023-24. The midfielder has also featured in four first-team matchday squads for Fulham, gaining exposure to top-flight football.
Recent loan experience
Prior to this move, Dibley-Dias spent the previous season gaining EFL experience through two separate loan spells. He made five appearances for League Two side Chesterfield during the first half of the campaign before moving to National League outfit Braintree Town, where he contributed one assist across eight appearances. He also had a loan spell at Northampton Town during the 2024-25 season, building his experience at different levels of English football.
What role will he play at Newport?
Dibley-Dias arrives to provide midfield competition following Newport's summer additions of Harrison Biggins and Kieron Evans. His arrival comes at a time when Newport have shown mixed recent form, including a 3-0 home victory over Rochdale and a 5-3 defeat at Bristol Rovers. The midfielder will be hoping to make an immediate impact and help Mullins' side continue building momentum in their League Two campaign.
Debut opportunity
Dibley-Dias could make his Newport debut when the club hosts Tranmere Rovers at Rodney Parade on Saturday, 29 August 2026, with kick-off at 3pm BST. Tranmere had already sold 776 tickets for the fixture, including 406 in the uncovered South Stand and 400 in the covered Bisley Stand, indicating strong interest in the encounter.
Key facts
- Dibley-Dias is Newport's 11th signing of the summer transfer window
- The 22-year-old was part of Fulham's Premier League Cup-winning under-21 squad in 2023-24
- He gained EFL experience on loan at Chesterfield and Braintree Town last season
- His arrival strengthens Newport's midfield options under manager Hayden Mullins
- Newport face Tranmere Rovers at home on Saturday, 29 August 2026 at 3pm BST
