Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi may soon be overtaken as the latest Nigerian international to arrive in the English top-flight
Many football fans have applauded Joe Aribo for his successful time in Scotland even as the Glasgow Rangers midfielder nears a move to the English Premier League.
Soccernet.ng, as per Fabrizio Romano, earlier reported that Aribo is close to a multi-million-pound switch to Southampton.
Providing an update on the deal, the transfer market expert revealed that Aribo had agreed personal terms with the Saints. The former Charlton Athletic ace is scheduled to undergo medical tests in the coming days.
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1544999557884518400
Aribo's legacy at Rangers
Signed on a free transfer from Charlton in 2019 (Rangers paid a compensation fee of £300,000), Aribo could be one of the Gers' most astute business deals in recent times.
In his time at the Ibrox Stadium, Aribo won the Scottish Premiership last year and the Scottish Cup this term.
Almost as remarkable is the midfielder's performance for the Light Blues in the Europa League this season.
Aribo helped Rangers reach the final, with the Gers defeating highly-rated Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig along the way.
Playing as a false nine in the final, Aribo scored Rangers' only goal in the 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, which a Gers fan tagged ‘the greatest goal of our lives'. Rangers eventually lost the trophy to the Germans on penalties.
What the fans are saying about Aribo
Aribo leaves Ibrox as one of the most adored players in the Rangers dressing room.
Many fans have taken to Twitter to hail the 25-year-old for his contribution to Rangers' recent successes. Here are some of their tweets:
“Signed for 300k. Made us millions in Europe. Played his part in 55. Stopped 10iar. Gave us the greatest goal of our lives. Sold for 10m that’ll help us kick on and improve our squad. All the best big Joe Aribo.”
Signed for 300k. Made us millions in Europe. played his part in 55. Stopped 10iar. Gave us the greatest goal of our lives. Sold for 10m that’ll help us kick on and improve our squad. All the best big joe aribo ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Dz9EudzDOi
— Gavin Wilson (@GavinWilson72) July 5, 2022
https://twitter.com/Saints1885_com/status/1545035104296337408
https://twitter.com/ksc4273/status/1545033438721241088
https://twitter.com/DRealOtuma/status/1545000182508654592
https://twitter.com/JaySeeKay72_/status/1544655049162473473
Joe Aribo to Southampton from Rangers almost done for £6m plus add-ons.
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) July 6, 2022
Good move for him after a very successful season.
Source: @David_Ornstein
https://twitter.com/Lee_Hendry1872/status/1544404693316771845
https://twitter.com/SeafarerMichael/status/1544436019902251008
https://twitter.com/oluwashina/status/1544652417568047105
In 148 appearances for Rangers, Aribo scored 26 goals and added 25 assists.
Am very Happy with Nigerian players may God continue helping us wish more success in life