OFFICIAL: Joe Aribo joins Southampton from Rangers for £10M

Southampton sign Joe Aribo from Rangers

Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo has joined Southampton from Rangers for £10M after three successful years in Glasgow, Scotland. The former Charlton Athletic player had an amazing campaign for his side last season as they reached the finals of the UEFA Europa League. He scored his side’s only goal of the game to take his tally for the campaign to nine (9) goals and eight (assists). 

Joe Aribo brings versatility 

The 25-year-old’s primary appeal is his ability to play a lot of positions on the pitch seamlessly. He can play on both flanks and in midfield. Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst even used the Nigerian international as a striker during their injury-riddled season. Ralph Hasenhüttl will appreciate his ability to slot in anywhere and do a good job as the saints look to improve on their 15th place finish in the Premier League. 

What has been said

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl said: “Joe is a player with many qualities to his game, and we are very excited to welcome him to the squad in time for the pre-season trip to Austria.

“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.

“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.”

Joe Aribo said: “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. 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.”