Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo caused a stir when swapping English football for the game in Scotland. The talented player signed for Steven Gerrard’s Glasgow Rangers from Charlton Athletic, and some, at the time, suggested it was the wrong move for his career.
That has already proven to be far off the mark, and the doubters could end up looking even more foolish if Aribo’s next big move comes off.
Aribo has been picked by traders at many leading sportsbooks to win a move to the English Premier League in January.
Aribo wins new admirers
The 25-year-old Nigerian international has been tearing up the game in Scotland and helping drive his employers to success in Europe.
Joe repaid the faith shown in him by former Liverpool and England captain Gerrard by playing a huge part in the club’s title-winning season.
Rangers claimed a historic 55 Scottish league championships while denying Celtic’s attempt at a record 10 in a row.
It was a glorious time for the fans, Aribo and everyone connected to the Govan side. In addition to that league success, Rangers made the knockout rounds of the Europa League two seasons on the bounce, with Aribo netting some important goals, winning plenty of new admirers in the process, including scouts.
To date, Aribo has played 71 times for the Gers, scoring 13 goals in all competitions while chipping in with more than his fair share of assists on the big stage.
He is a player with incredible skills and control of the ball. When in full flight, running directly at defenders, it has been remarked that it looks like the ball is glued to his feet.
Joe’s style means he’s more of a creator than a goalscorer, but he has helped the cause with some important strikes in the Premiership, cup competitions, and Europe.
Gerrard seeks reinforcements
Manager Gerrard recently moved back to the English Premier League, taking up the job as Aston Villa boss. That shocked Rangers fans, the club’s board and every player in the squad.
Villa are currently struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League ladder and have the threat of relegation hanging over them.
Gerard has been tasked with helping Villa beat the drop and hold on to their position in the top-flight of English football.
To help him achieve that, he will want to be busy in the January transfer window, spending some of the team’s millions and bringing in new players to boost chances of steering clear of the bottom three.
As well as talented players, Gerrard will want men he knows he can trust and those with experience in English football.
Many reputable sources believe Aribo fits the bill and will be the subject of a big-money transfer to Aston Villa when the January transfer window swings open and teams on both sides of the border are allowed to sign players again.
Aribo is certainly good enough to play at the top level of English football. He is an English born player from London, so there’s no worry about a settling in period of the player feeling homesick.
The only worry is the price tag Rangers will ask for their midfielder, but after selling Jack Grealish to Man City in the summer for £100m, Aston Villa have plenty of cash to spare.
What’re your thoughts?
You can have your say on the possible transfer at the top online sportsbook betting apps with a range of markets available. Bet on Aribo’s move to Aston Villa happening or falling through or make a gamble on Aston Villa, Gerrard or Rangers.
Will the Gers retain the Scottish Premiership title? Will Aston Villa be relegated? How many goals will Aribo score in Nigeria’s next match? There’s a market and an interesting bet for everyone.
