Joe Aribo for Southampton (Photo Image: Imago)
Joe Aribo is yet to kick a ball for Southampton this season…
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard could push for Rangers to sign Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo from Southampton in the January transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
Over the last few days, there have been strong reports that Gerrard could return to the Gers, nearly four years after leaving the club.
Rangers’ poor start to the campaign, which saw him win just 29% of his games, prompted them to sack coach Martin Russell during the week. And Gerrard, who is currently out of job since leaving Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq, has been touted to replace him.
The former Liverpool man did well with the Gers during his three-year stint between 2018 and 2021, helping the club to the Scottish Premiership title and a second-place finish in the UEFA Europa League.
However, since he left, he has struggled to make a mark. Gerrard was sacked at Aston Villa and left Al Ettifaq by mutual consent at the turn of the year.
Nonetheless, the Gers have been in touch with the 45-year-old, and they will be hoping that with his history at the club, he can return Rangers to the pinnacle of Scottish football.
Joe Aribo Might Be On His way To The Ibrox
According to Saints Marching, Joe Aribo might just be on his way to Rangers if Steven Gerrard gets appointed as the coach.
The Super Eagles star has had a strange start to the campaign with Southampton in the English Championship.
Despite opting to remain at the St. Mary’s in the summer, he hasn’t made the matchday squad in any game that Southampton have played this season.
As such, he will likely be open to leaving the club. Aribo played his best football at Rangers, under the tutelage of Gerrard.
This is not that surprising, as Gerrard was one of the best midfielders in the world during his days at Liverpool, so the Englishman would have taught Aribo a few tricks or hacks.
Aribo is currently valued at €5 million on Transfermarkt, which is a fee that Rangers can afford. Moreover, with less than one year left on the Super Eagles star’s contract, Southampton would take a lower price rather than to lose him on a free by next summer.