SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) — Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo is on the verge of leaving Southampton FC as reports suggest he has told the club he wants a new challenge ahead of the next transfer window.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Aribo, 29, who joined the Saints from Rangers FC in 2022, is now entering the final year of his contract. According to sources close to the club, several teams in Europe and Turkey have shown interest in signing him, with RB Leipzig reportedly preparing a €10 million offer.
Southampton head coach Will Still hinted at the midfielder’s possible exit during a recent press briefing, saying some players were at “a critical point” in their careers and could soon move on. Though Still did not mention names directly, Aribo was notably missing from the squad that defeated Wrexham 2–1 last weekend, fueling more speculation about his future.
The Nigerian international, who played a key role during Southampton’s promotion campaign, has seen his playing time reduced this season. He featured mainly as a substitute and missed several pre-season matches, raising questions about his place in the team.
Reports from British and Nigerian sports outlets suggest that Villarreal and an unnamed Turkish club are also monitoring Aribo’s situation closely. Negotiations are said to be ongoing, but no deal has yet been finalized.
Aribo became a fan favorite during his time with Rangers, where he helped the Scottish side win the league title and reach the Europa League final in 2022. His move to Southampton was seen as a major step up, but injuries and inconsistent form have limited his impact in England.
If the transfer goes through, Aribo will be among the latest in a series of high-profile exits from Southampton following the club’s recent relegation and subsequent rebuild. The Saints are reshaping their squad under Still, who appears focused on younger players ahead of their return to the Premier League.
For Aribo, a move could provide the opportunity to reignite his career and secure regular playing time. At 29, the midfielder is eager to make the most of his peak years and continue competing at the highest level in Europe.
Neither Aribo nor Southampton officials have made any official comments regarding the potential transfer. However, sources inside the club believe that a decision is likely to be made in the coming weeks as interest from foreign clubs grows.
The next few days could be crucial for the Nigerian star as the transfer window approaches its closing stages. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see where Aribo will land next.
