Nigeria international Joe Aribo is set to depart Championship club Southampton, ahead of January transfer deadline day.
Southampton are still in the market for reinforcements – particularly in attack – ahead of the 7pm transfer deadline on Monday, February 2.
The club’s handler Tonda Eckert is keen to reduce the size of his squad, with a handful of players struggling for minutes.
Two players who are available for transfer this week are Sam Edozie and Aribo. Saints wanted to sell the players in the summer, but failed.
“There’s conversations going on at the moment,” Eckert revealed (via Daily Echo). It needs to make sense for the player first, but obviously also for the club.
“There are some good conversations taking place at the moment. Those situations are always a little bit more complicated to say it’s just one party.
“I think there are so many parties nowadays that need to agree for a deal to happen. It didn’t work out the way maybe some parties wanted it to.
“I think the conversations are now heading in a good direction.”
Also Read: Done Deal: Nigerian Midfielder Completes Move To Aberdeen
Aribo has made just seven appearances in the English second-tier division this season.
The former Rangers star was not included in the Super Eagles squad that featured at the AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
He was part of the side that reached the final of the 2023 edition in Cote d’Ivoire.
2 Comments
It’s 2026.
Am I the only primate on the planet who still holds out for Joe Aribo to return to the Super Eagles in style to reclaim his place?
Just think about it, a player of his profile can function effectively in the centre attacking midfield role entrusted to Lookman in the last Afcon, Afcon that Lookman shone like a million candles lit over the alter of a spiritual church.
What if the support striker role? Akor Adams handled that role with care, composure and character. I think Aribo can inject care, class and credibility to that role, if given the chance, if fit, if flying.
But, therein lies the problem. Is he fit physically and mentally?
Aribo has seen hard times, Aribo has seen better days. A one-time all-round regular, he is now out-of-favour with fans, out-of-favour with club, out-of-favour with country.
Ala, fear not for the holy books remind us that a dry bone can regrow flesh, rejoice the army, reclaim his place in the regiment.
And that is what I pray for Aribo in 2026.
it’s 2026!
I really appreciate your response @deo.
I really hope for your prayers to come to pass.Im one of those that believe in Joe Aribo.He was misused and played out of position especially in the Super Eagles at the expense of Alex Iwobi who lacked the boldness to man the midfield for Nigeria.If he’s back and he’s in form he can help Nigeria’s midfield to be at a better level than it was even in the AFCON especially with the additional possibilities of having Ethan Nwaneri and Carney Chukwuemeka in the midfield fold.