Southampton didn’t want me to go- Galatasaray-linked Joe Aribo

Joe Aribo joined Southampton in 2022 Summer transfer window after an impressive campaign with Rangers FC

Super Eagles midfielder, Joe Aribo, has reportedly disclosed that Southampton, an EFL Championship side, was hesitant to part ways with him during the last summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.

Aribo, 27, made his move to the then-English Premier League club in the 2022 summer transfer window for a fee of around €7.1 million following his standout performances with Scottish side Rangers.

However, changes in management appear to have limited Aribo’s playing time. He fell out of favor with Ruben Selles’s starting lineup and even ended up playing for Southampton’s U-21 team.

During the summer transfer window, the Nigerian international was linked with a transfer to Turkish side Galatasaray, among other clubs.

Despite having offers, Soccernet.ng learnt that Aribo’s desire to leave Southampton was hindered as the club was not inclined to let him go.

This situation has led to Aribo missing games for Southampton, and since their return to the EFL Championship, he has spent more time on the field for his country than for his club.

Aribo’s contract with Southampton is set to expire in 2026, potentially presenting the Hampshire-based club with an opportunity to cash in on him.

However, it could also be attributed to the club’s relegation from the Premier League to the second tier, which may have increased their need for Aribo’s services.

Despite their relegation, Aribo has yet to secure a starting spot under the new management and hasn’t played a minute since his return from international duty with Nigeria.

With the winter transfer window approaching, Aribo will aim to establish himself during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, where scouts will be closely watching African players in action for the trophy.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

Osimhen: Napoli star drops transfer hint as Man United and Chelsea prepare €75 million bid

Napoli-owned forward Victor Osimhen has sparked transfer speculation with a new comment about his future,… Read More

7 hours ago

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: CHAN Eagles grab first-leg advantage in Accra against Black Galaxies

Nigeria forced Ghana to a goalless draw in the first leg of the qualifying playoff… Read More

7 hours ago

What Hakimi’s mother said after her son lost the CAF POTY Award to Lookman

Achraf Hakimi's mother, Saida Mouh, has revealed her son has moved on from the disappointment… Read More

7 hours ago

“I see similarities with Leicester” – Ex-Barcelona striker backs Ola Aina’s Nott’m Forest to win EPL title

Former Barcelona and England striker, Gary Lineker, has backed Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina's Nottingham… Read More

8 hours ago

Two Premier League clubs ready to meet Napoli’s €75m asking price for Victor Osimhen

Two English Premier League sides, Manchester United and Chelsea, are prepared to meet Napoli's €75m… Read More

9 hours ago

Tolu Arokodare surpasses Stephen Keshi’s mark in Belgium as Genk humble Anderlecht

Tolu Arokodare delivered a man-of-the-match performance to inspire KRC Genk to a convincing 2-0 win… Read More

9 hours ago