Former Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo is putting his faith in God after a season of troubles with Southampton and surprise mentions of a potential return to Ibrox.
The Gers signed a £10m deal to sell the Nigerian international midfielder, 26, to the St Mary’s club at the beginning of last season as Joe Aribo entered the final twelve months of his deal in Glasgow.
Now, the Daily Record have been discussing “Rangers transfer talk” surrounding the player, claiming that after the collapse of that Malik Tillman deal, “rumours have been swirling that a return to Govan could be on the cards” for Aribo.
Having signed a four-year deal on the English south coast last season, it would take a decent transfer fee for Rangers to sign Joe Aribo and something tells us this is nothing more than chatter.
Leaving Rangers for Southampton has been Joe Aribo challenge
Last season didn’t quite turn out for any party involved in the transfer, with Rangers struggling to replace the attacking midfielder’s left-foot influence in a turgid season.
After an initially bright start, Joe Aribo struggled to leave an impression on Southampton either with the midfielder playing under three different managers and being completely bombed out by the end of the season.
Southampton too didn’t exactly make the wisest of choices last season given they’ve just been relegated from the Premier League so it’s a move which didn’t work out as planned for anyone involved.
Speaking to Planet Sport Football Africa, Joe Aribo expressed his frustrations at life after Rangers and claims he’s putting his faith in God after failing to get a proper chance last season.
“For me, very frustrating,” said Joe Aribo. “It was tough because you want to do so well for yourself, you know. I had a new challenge and I wanted to hit the ground running.
“And obviously, I had all of these goals and what I wanted to do, also to help the team. But I didn’t feel I got the chance to do that and it was really frustrating. It was a season of learning.
“But also, I felt like I needed that season because it was God that put me in that situation and I have learnt that he doesn’t do it for no reason. There was a reason behind it. Right now I am questioning that reason but we just have to put our faith in God and trust. “
In total, Joe Aribo made 28 appearances for Southampton after leaving Rangers last season, including 21 in the Premier League, where he scored twice.
