Ex-Rangers star Joe Aribo achieved a dream by signing for Premier League Southampton in the summer – but it could yet turn into a nightmare.
The Nigerian international impressed across three seasons at Ibrox but with one year left on his deal Rangers cashed in on the silky midfielder on a deal which could bank the Gers £10m [the Athletic].
Already making an impact south of the border, there have been several big moments in Joe Aribo’s Southampton career already but the south coast club are teetering on a relegation dogfight.
This weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace has the Saints in 17th place in the Premier League, just one point and one place above Leicester City in the relegation zone.
Ex-Rangers star Joe Aribo facing Southampton relegation battle
Joe Aribo played the full 90 minutes as Southampton succumbed to a 1-0 defeat courtesy of a goal from ex-Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.
The defeat was Ralph Hasenhuttl’s seventh of the Premier League season and in a competitive division results have to swing before the club gets pulled into the mire.
With the Foxes joined by Wolves and Nottingham Forest below them, Southampton are only three points from the bottom meaning they could wind up there in the next round of fixtures.
If Joe Aribo didn’t know it already, then all this does is prove both the competitiveness and cut throat nature of the Premier League as Southampton sit at an important juncture in their season.
With clashes against Newcastle United, Liverpool and Brighton to come in the Premier League things can go sour very quickly and Southampton will need to turn things around if they’re to keep their heads above water.
A player like Joe Aribo deserves his opportunity in the Premier League but if the Saints aren’t careful, the Nigerian could be playing in the Championship next season or might even need to move on elsewhere.
Speaking of former Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo, it was only last week Southampton were sharing a clip of the talented ex-Charlton star.
