Super Eagles: 2 possible destinations for Joe Aribo ahead of January transfer window

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo could be on the verge of finding a new club as he looks to return to competitive football ahead of the January transfer window.

The 30-year-old has been without a club since leaving Southampton in the summer after his contract at the English club expired.

Aribo joined the Saints from Scottish club Rangers in 2022 and quickly became an important member of the team. However, his situation changed following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, with the midfielder struggling to secure a regular place in the side.

He was close to leaving Southampton in the summer of 2025, but a move failed to materialise. He eventually joined Leicester City on loan for the second half of last season in search of more playing time.

However, his time at Leicester did not lead to a permanent move, and he has remained without a club since his departure from Southampton.

With the January transfer window approaching, the Super Eagles midfielder is now hoping to find a new team and get his career back on track.

Afrik-Foot looks at two possible destinations for the former Rangers midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.

Joe Aribo: Two possible destinations for Super Eagles midfielder

1. Premier League

A move to another English club appears to be Aribo’s preferred option as he looks to continue his career in a familiar environment.

The midfielder spent the last four years playing in England after joining Southampton from Rangers in 2022 and is already accustomed to the demands and style of football in the country. The move would also give him the opportunity to settle quickly and focus on getting regular playing time.

Although Aribo struggled for consistency towards the end of his Southampton spell, he has previously shown that he can compete at a good level in English football.

His experience in the Premier League and Championship could also make him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen their midfield without paying a transfer fee.

A source close to the player also revealed that England remains his priority, despite previous opportunities to move elsewhere.

“Joe will remain in England based on what I gathered, even though there was an opening in Turkey in the past two seasons. Maybe that option will also be explored, but the first option is to remain in England”, the source revealed, via Footy-Africa.

2. Turkish Super Lig

The Turkish Super Lig could also emerge as a possible destination for Aribo if he fails to secure a move within England.

The midfielder has previously attracted interest from the league, and another opportunity could present itself when clubs begin making changes to their squads in January.

Several Nigerian stars have now made moves to the league in recent years, which could make the prospect of a move more appealing.

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen plays for Galatasaray, Wilfred Ndidi plays for Besiktas and Kelechi Iheanacho also completed a move to Bursaspor in the summer.

Gift Orban is another Nigerian forward who also recently made a move to the league, completing a move to Amedspor during the summer window from German side Hoffenheim.

Aribo keen to return to action

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Aribo has continued working on his fitness to ensure he is ready when an opportunity arrives.

“For Aribo, he has been keeping fit with a personal trainer and a physical trainer, as most of the clubs looking to sign him want to do so in January when they rejig their squads”, the source added.

“He is a good player who has just been unlucky and, at 30, he still has a lot of football in him.

“He misses the game, but in a couple of weeks, hopefully, he will be back to competitive football.”

Aribo’s priority will now be looking for a club where he can play regularly and potentially return to the Super Eagles setup under head coach Eric Chelle.