Southampton manager Will Still has revealed that Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo is back in contention to feature for the club this season.
The Super Eagles star was subject of intense speculation in the summer transfer window, with former club Rangers and other top teams from the Turkish Super League linked to his signature.
The 29-year-old’s spell at the Saints has been underwhelming and characterized by different managerial changes and relegation to the second tier.
Last season, Southampton finished 20th in the English Premier League and were relegated to the EFL Championship for the second time in three years.
They also suffered relegation in the 2022/23 season, following another 20th-place finish in the English top-flight.
Despite being open to a move in the summer, there was no concrete offer to price the Nigerian international from the St Mary’s Stadium.
Aribo has missed Southampton’s first six matches of the season, with uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.
With the transfer window now closed, Saints boss Will Still is delighted to welcome the talent back into the squad as they chase promotion back to the top-flight.
“Yes, they’re (Aribo and edozie) back in the squad. We all know what the transfer window is like. They had options, they had opportunities that didn’t quite materialise and didn’t quite happen,” Still revealed in a prematch press conference.
“From day one, we said as long as your head’s right and you want to be here, to fight for the club and the team, then you are welcome to be part of it.
“And I’ve got to say, since they’ve been back in training, they’ve been spot on. It’s a good thing for us [that they are back in contention].”
What next for Aribo?
The Super Eagles midfielder is set to return to action following time out due to transfer speculation.
Aribo will be eyeing a key role this season in the Saints’ push for promotion, beginning with Sunday’s clash against Portsmouth.
He will also be hoping for regular playing time, as he looks to make Nigerian squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
