Joe Aribo’s future at Southampton remains uncertain following the club’s relegation from the Premier League. Despite rumors linking him with a return to his former club, Glasgow Rangers, reports suggest that a reunion is unlikely at this time. Aribo, a Nigerian international midfielder, joined Southampton in the summer of 2022 but initially struggled to secure a regular place in the team. However, his fortunes changed during the 2024/25 season, as he made 32 appearances and scored three goals in the top flight. This improved performance, however, wasn’t enough to prevent Southampton’s relegation, leaving Aribo’s future at the club in doubt.
The 28-year-old midfielder’s situation has attracted interest from several clubs, with speculation mounting about a potential move during the summer transfer window. While some believe Aribo’s style of play would be well-suited to the tactics employed by new Rangers manager Russell Martin, reports indicate that a return to Ibrox is not currently on the cards. Scottish journalist Chris Jack, while acknowledging discussions about the possibility of Aribo rejoining Rangers, has stated that there are no concrete indications of a deal being imminent.
Aribo’s previous spell at Rangers was highly successful. He played a crucial role in the team’s Scottish Premiership title triumph under former manager Steven Gerrard and was instrumental in their run to the UEFA Europa League final under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, which they ultimately lost to Eintracht Frankfurt. During his time at Ibrox, Aribo showcased his attacking prowess, scoring 26 goals and providing 25 assists in 149 appearances. This impressive record cemented his status as a fan favorite, making the prospect of his return a topic of considerable discussion among Rangers supporters.
While a reunion with Rangers seems unlikely at present, Aribo’s experience under Russell Martin during their time together at Southampton could potentially influence the manager’s decision-making. However, Martin appears to have faith in Belgian international Nico Raskin, who has also been linked with a move away from Rangers. This suggests that even if Martin were keen on Aribo’s return, there may not be an immediate place for him in the team’s plans.
The situation remains fluid, with the summer transfer window offering Aribo the opportunity to explore other options. While a return to the familiar surroundings of Ibrox might appeal to the player and some fans, Rangers appear to be focusing on alternative strategies for strengthening their squad. This leaves Aribo’s future destination uncertain, with several clubs likely monitoring his situation and potentially considering a move for the talented midfielder.
Ultimately, Aribo’s next move will depend on a number of factors, including the interest from other clubs, Southampton’s stance on his departure, and the player’s own preferences. Regardless of where he ends up, Aribo’s talent and experience make him a valuable asset, and his next move will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. As the summer transfer window unfolds, the speculation surrounding Aribo’s future is likely to intensify, with a resolution expected in the coming weeks or months.
