Former Rangers hero Joe Aribo could be on the move this summer following Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League.
Aribo joined Southampton a year ago, having scored in the Europa League final in his final season for Rangers, but had a difficult campaign as the Saints finished bottom of the Premier League.
A fair few players are set to leave St Mary’s, and manager Russell Martin has admitted that the club need to sell in order to make space for new arrivals.
“Hopefully we can keep a few that have attracted real interest but we have to be realistic about the situation that a few might have to go to help us get players we really want in,” he stated on TalkSPORT.
Given that Aribo started just 13 league games last season, he is a prime candidate for the exit door, and Martin’s comments suggest that Southampton will not stand in the way of an exit.
Should Rangers push for an Aribo return?
A return to the club was mooted when Southampton’s relegation was confirmed, but this may ultimately come down to finances.
The deal which saw Aribo leave Ibrox totalled around £10m including add-ons, and if Rangers are to buy him back this fee would have to be significantly lower.
It is unclear if Southampton would accept a lower offer, or even a loan offer for him, but he could be a useful addition for Michael Beale if he is willing to return.
The 27-year-old established himself as an excellent goalscoring midfielder in his previous spell at Ibrox, and Beale has lost Scott Arfield and Malik Tillman from the middle of the park.
Aribo, who was considered “very dynamic” by Giovanni van Bronckhorst, could add vital experience and quality alongside the likes of Nicolas Raskin, and could compete with new signing Kieran Dowell for a starting spot.
However, if Southampton hold out for a sizeable fee, then Rangers may be better off avoiding a deal. The presence of Dowell and Todd Cantwell means that an attacking midfielder is not an urgent priority, even if Aribo would add a lot to the squad.
It is a potential deal to keep an eye on for the rest of the window, but whilst Rangers could pull off a masterstroke if he can return cheaply, it is not a deal they may be desperate to do at a high price.
