Southampton have signed midfielder Joe Aribo from Rangers for an undisclosed fee.
Aribo began his career in Non League Football as he played for Staines Town in 2014-15 Isthmian League, where he failed to score in 22 appearances before he was signed by Charlton Athletic in September 2015.
Across a four-year spell at The Valley, Aribo netted 16 goals in 97 appearances and was part of the Addicks’ League One Play-Off winning squad in 2018-19 season, but opted to join Rangers on a free transfer at end of that season than stay with Charlton in the Championship in 2019-20 season.
During his time at Ibrox, Aribo netted 26 goals in 149 appearances as he helped the team win 2020-21 Scottish Premiership and 2021-22 Scottish Cup titles, whilst also playing his part in the Gers’ run to last season’s Europa League Final which they lost on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt.
His performances ultimately attracted Southampton’s interest with the Saints swooping for the midfielder, whose contract at Rangers was set to expire next summer.
Speaking about his move to St Mary’s Stadium, Aribo described Southampton as “… an amazing club” with “… a good plan” moving forward under manager – Ralph Hasenhuttl as they look to improve on their 15th placed Premier League finish last season.
Aribo also noted how privileged it is to be playing in the top-flight of English football as he explained: “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.”
Hasenhuttl added that Aribo will bring “many qualities” to their midfield as the club prepare for a pre-season trip to Austria.
On what he expects the 25 year-old to add to the midfield this season, Hasenhuttl commented: “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.”
Having already played at Non League and EFL levels in English Football as well as Scotland’s top-flight, Aribo now faces a tough step up but Hasenhuttl is confident he will deliver as he added: “This is a big ambition for him, and he is hungry to show everybody he can do it.”
Rangers also released the following statement on Aribo’s move to Southampton, in which they said: ‘Aribo has served Rangers with distinction in the last three seasons, and leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Ibrox.’
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