Nigerian midfielder, Joe Aribo may get a long-awaited move away from English Championship outfit, Southampton, with Spanish La Liga outfit Villarreal set to battle it out with German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig for his services for the upcoming season.
The 28-year-old, who has one year left on his existing contract, arrived the south coast in the summer of 2022 and struggled to make an impact owing to his bit-part role. However, the 2024/25 campaign saw the Super Eagles star make 32 top-flight appearances for the Saints, scoring three goals, but it was insufficient in the end as the modest club suffered relegation to the second-tier.
The 34-time capped Nigeria international has subsequently caught the eye of Villarreal, with the Yellow Submarine keen to add to their midfield ranks following the signing of Ghanaian stalwart Thomas Partey on a free transfer. According to media outlet Africafoot, ‘’ The sporting director of Villarreal has reportedly checked the name of the Nigerian offensive midfielder in order to strengthen his offensive midfield with a view to next season.’’
The Spanish team reportedly made contact with Southampton recently in a bid to snap up Aribo, with the Yellow Submarine willing to pay as much as €12m. Coach Marcelino Garcia’s side will reportedly offer Aribo a four-year contract with an annual pay package of around €3.5m.
Despite Villarreal’s sudden move, their interest could spark a mini bidding war as Leipzig are said to be in the hunt for the former Glasgow Rangers man. The German outfit reportedly made an offer of €10m to secure Aribo’s signature.
It remains to be seen where Aribo would ply his trade come next term, as he is reluctant to continue with Southampton in the lower rungs. A while ago, Turkish club Goztepe expressed interest but it seems a move to the Super Lig may not come to fruition.
Credit: punchng.com
