Rangers Review writer Derek Clark has ‘no doubt’ that impending Southampton arrival Joe Aribo will be a success on the south coast.
Saints are in ‘advanced talks’ with the Glasgow giants ahead of a proposed £10m transfer of the Nigeria international with add-ons also included.
Having just added Manchester City prospect Romeo Lavia for a total package of £14m, the club have swooped quickly to seal Aribo’s signature, with goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Mateus Liz, as well as defender Armell Bella-Kotchap already through the door at St Mary’s.
And having been part of Rangers’ title-winning side during the 2020/21 season and the team that made it all the way to the Europa League final in which he scored, Aribo looks set to head south of the border to test his strength in the Premier League – and Clark is under no illusions that he has what it takes to make the step up.
Posting on Twitter, he said:
Wish Joe Aribo all the very best at Southampton, he’ll tear it up down there I’ve no doubt.
Will always fondly remember his goal in Seville and this filthy piece of control from a ball descending from outer space? https://t.co/MTRLlRjG6l
— Derek Clark (@derekclarksport) July 6, 2022
TIF Thoughts on Aribo and Southampton…
Will Joe Aribo be a good signing for Southampton?
Yes
No
Aribo, who turns 26 before the end of the month, left Charlton Athletic for Ibrox back in 2019, but with just one year left on his contract in Scotland, the south London-born attacker is seemingly ready to move on.
No player made more appearances for their club (70) than the uber-flexible 20-cap Nigeria ace as he demonstrated his ability in a number of positions last term.
Predominantly an attacking midfielder, he scored nine goals in the most recent campaign and provided a further 10 assists.
His performances in the Light Blues’ Europa League run, which warranted a 6.97 SofaScore rating for the competition and saw him place second among the club’s midfielders in the tournament, perhaps illustrate that he is capable of playing at a higher level.