Joe Aribo: Southampton sign Rangers and Nigeria midfielder
Aribo scored 26 goals in 148 appearances for Rangers Southampton have completed the signing of Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo on a four-year contract. The 25-year-old Nigeria international joins for a fee reported to be about £6m, rising to £10m with add-ons. Aribo spent three seasons at Ibrox after moving from Charlton in 2019, helping Rangers win the Scottish Premiership in 2021 and scoring in last season's Europa League final defeat. "It's an amazing club with a lot of history here," Aribo said. "The Premier League is the best league in the world. I've been watching it since I was a young boy. It's always been a goal for me to play here and show what I can do on this stage. "It's an amazing feeling, a dream come true. This is where I've wanted to be since I was a child growing up playing, so to say that I'm here now is really exciting." Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said he was "very pleased" to add a player with "many qualities" to his squad. "We believe Joe can bring energy and creativity to our side. Feeling comfortable in so many different positions is very helpful for a manager and shows he has a high level of football intelligence, with the ability to take on new information quickly," said Hasenhuttl. "He has played a lot of games already in his career, at a very high level, and his performances in the Europa League prove he has the quality to play in the Premier League. This is a big ambition for him, and he is hungry to show everybody he can do it." Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst told Sky Sports on Thursday that Aribo was expected to depart Ibrox, paying tribute to a "very important player" who scored 26 goals in 148 appearances for the club. "What he's done for this club has been fantastic," Van Bronckhorst said. Aribo, who had one year remaining on his Rangers contract, becomes Saints' fifth summer signing after Mateusz Lis, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Romeo Lavia and Gavin Bazunu. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.
Joe Aribo pens emotional message to Rangers as Southampton confirm signing of midfielder
Joe Aribo has sent a parting message to Rangers fans after joining Southampton in a potential £10million deal. After spells at Staines Town and Charlton Athletic in England, Aribo moved north of the border in July 2019 to sign with Rangers. He joined on a free transfer and it has proven to be an inspired signing from the Gers. The central midfielder has gone on to become one of Rangers’ best performers in recent years. He made 42 appearances during their Invincibles campaign, during which they won the Scottish Premiership title on 102 points. Aribo featured 57 times for Rangers last season, chipping in with nine goals and 10 assists. However, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side couldn’t retain their league title and also lost to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final. Aribo has been linked with Premier League sides Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in recent months. But it is Southampton who have captured the Nigeria international. On Wednesday, The Guardian revealed they were close to signing Aribo for an initial £6m. The move could be worth £10m due to add-ons, though. And the Saints have now confirmed the move, revealing Aribo has signed a contract until June 2026. Reacting to the switch, Aribo told club media: “It’s an amazing club with a lot of history here, and it’s a good plan with what’s to come next. I’m really excited for the journey. “The Premier League is the best league in the world. I’ve been watching it since I was a young boy, it’s always been a goal for me to play here and show what I can do on this stage. “It’s an amazing feeling, a dream come true.
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