Aribo "Not Leaving Southampton Yet" — Club Coach Clarifies
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Southampton head coach Will Still insists Joe Aribo is still part of the squad despite widespread transfer rumours. Aribo has been linked with a number of clubs this summer following Southampton’s relegation, but the Saints boss stated that the Nigerian midfielder remains available for selection.
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"He is not gone," Still said, underscoring that there has been no final decision on his future. The coach acknowledged that Aribo is in the final year of his contract, but made it clear that the player remains within the club’s plans.
Editorial
We believe Will Still’s public reassurance highlights a deeper tension in modern football—between loyalty to club and the push for individual progression. Aribo’s situation exemplifies the dilemmas many players face: staying with a struggling side or moving on to regain momentum and exposure.
We recognise the complexity of these choices. Southampton are now in the Championship, a league that presents both opportunity and risk for a player who has tasted top-flight football. Aribo’s career trajectory has always been defined by ambition, yet remaining with the club could reflect a commitment to stability and continuity—or a lack of better offers.
We also see how statements like Still’s can purposes: they calm fans’ concerns while also giving Aribo and his representatives time to weigh options. In the fog of transfer windows, clarity is rare—and ambiguity can be advantageous.
We hold firm to the view that footballers like Aribo deserve to make deliberate choices, not be rushed by narratives. Whether he stays or moves on, the decision should support both his personal growth and the collective ambitions of the teams he represents.
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Did You Know?
Joe Aribo joined Southampton from Glasgow Rangers in 2022 for a deal worth around €8 million.
He was a key figure in Rangers’ 2021 Scottish Premiership title campaign, bringing high expectations to his move to England.
Aribo made 104 appearances for Southampton before the 2025 season, scoring nine goals.
He has been linked with Turkish Super Lig clubs, RB Leipzig, and a return to Rangers though none of those moves have materialised.
Aribo’s current contract with Southampton runs until the summer of 2026.
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