Forgotten Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo is reportedly on the verge of leaving Southampton for EFL Championship rivals Leicester City for the remainder of the season, Footynaija.com understands.
Since joining Southampton from Rangers in the summer of 2022, Aribo has made 111 appearances for the club. However, his involvement this season stands at just seven substitute outings across all competitions.
The 29-year-old has not featured for the Saints since making a brief late appearance against West Bromwich Albion in early December and is no longer part of head coach Tonda Eckert’s plans.
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Form and injury issues have been the main reasons behind his decline at the St. Mary’s, with the Super Eagles star struggling to reach the required level of match fitness during the current campaign.
Aribo also trained away from the first team during pre-season amid uncertainty over his future, although a move away from the club failed to materialise at the time.
That situation is now about to change, with Sky Sports reporting that Southampton are prepared to sanction a loan exit this winter as they look to trim their wage bill.
Aribo is in the final six months of his contract, and the temporary switch will see Saints save money on his salary while allowing the midfielder an opportunity to return to competitive action.
Leicester City, who have won just one of their last six Championship matches, are currently without a manager and are actively seeking midfield reinforcements.
The Foxes are short in that area following a hamstring injury sustained by their current top scorer, Jordan James and they are now looking to Aribo in a bid to fill that void.
This imminent move will provide the 28-capped Nigeria international with a chance to rejuvenate his career and potentially put himself on the radar of top clubs before he becomes a free agent in the summer.
