Joe Aribo: Three clubs Super Eagles star could join before the end of the transfer window

Joe Aribo is still without a club with the summer transfer window approaching its final weeks, but the Super Eagles midfielder remains an attractive option for several sides, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 30-year-old became a free agent in June after Southampton decided against extending his contract following four seasons at St Mary’s. The club confirmed his departure after he made 111 appearances for the Saints.

Aribo subsequently ended a short loan spell at Leicester City, where he made six appearances before returning to Southampton.

His availability without a transfer fee makes him particularly interesting to clubs searching for experience and versatility without committing a significant fee.

Three clubs Joe Aribo can join this summer

1. Rangers

A return to Rangers would be the most emotional option. Aribo spent three seasons at Ibrox, making 149 appearances, scoring 26 goals and winning the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup before moving to Southampton in 2022.

The Nigerian has already been linked with a return since becoming a free agent, with reports indicating that Rangers have considered bringing their former midfielder back to Glasgow.

At 30, Aribo would bring experience to a Rangers side competing domestically and in Europe, while his familiarity with the club could make adaptation almost immediate.

The question would be whether returning to Scotland is the right next step at this stage of his career.

2. Göztepe

Göztepe is another possibility, particularly because the Turkish club previously showed interest in Aribo.

The Super Lig side identified the midfielder as a transfer target in 2025, although the move did not materialise.

Turkey could make sense for Aribo because it would provide a fresh environment while keeping him in a competitive European league.

However, Göztepe may need to convince the midfielder that their sporting project matches his ambitions.

A spot has opened up, particularly with another Nigerian midfielder, Anthony Dennis, departing the Turkish side to join UAE side Al-Jazira.

3. Villarreal

Villarreal could be the most ambitious option. Per Africa Foot, the Spanish club previously showed interest in Aribo, competing with RB Leipzig for his signature in 2025.

While that interest did not result in a transfer at the time, Aribo’s free-agent status could make a renewed approach more attractive.

His ability to play as a central midfielder or further forward would fit a club looking for versatility, while his experience in England, Scotland and international football gives him a profile that requires little introduction.

For Aribo, La Liga would also represent an opportunity to experience a new league at a point when another change could revitalise his career.

The midfielder’s priority should be finding regular football. After a difficult final season with Southampton and an unsuccessful Leicester loan, the next move needs to be about playing, not simply moving.

Whether that takes him back to Rangers, to Turkey with Göztepe or towards a more ambitious move such as Villarreal, Aribo still has enough experience to make himself a valuable free-agent signing.