Southampton head coach Will Still has ended speculation surrounding the future of Joe Aribo, confirming that the Nigerian midfielder will remain at St Mary’s Stadium for the rest of the season.
Aribo had been strongly linked with a move away from the Sky Bet Championship side during the summer transfer window, leading to his omission from the Saints’ opening four league fixtures. With his future uncertain, the 28-year-old was left out of the matchday squads as Southampton adjusted to life back in the second tier.
However, Still has now clarified that Aribo, along with forward Sam Edozie, is firmly back in his plans.
💬 “Yes, they’re (Aribo and Edozie) back in the squad. We all know what the transfer window is like. They had options, they had opportunities that didn’t quite materialise and didn’t quite happen,” Still disclosed via Saint Extra.
💬 “From day one, we said as long as your head’s right and you want to be here, to fight for the club and the team, then you are welcome to be part of it. And I’ve got to say, since they’ve been back in training, they’ve been spot on. It’s a good thing for us [that they are back in contention].”
Aribo to Play Key Role for the Saints
The Nigeria international, who joined Southampton from Rangers in 2022, endured a difficult start to the new campaign but now looks set for a reintegration into the squad. His versatility in midfield and experience in English football could prove vital as Still looks to push the Saints up the table.
Aribo’s ability to play both centrally and in advanced roles provides Southampton with tactical flexibility. With the Championship season long and demanding, his return is expected to bolster squad depth and inject competition for places.
Southampton currently sit 13th in the Championship table with five points from their opening four matches. After a mixed start, Still will hope to build momentum when his side host Portsmouth this Sunday in a highly anticipated south-coast derby.
With Aribo now back in contention, fans at St Mary’s could see the Nigerian return to the pitch in one of the season’s standout fixtures.
