Despite a bright start to life on the South coast, managerial change at Southampton has meant Joe Aribo has been largely cast aside in recent weeks.
New boss Nathan Jones replaced Ralph Hasenhuttl with his own ideas and a different approach, which has not been in Aribo’s favour, leading to speculation on his future just a few months after his move to Hampshire.
This has been fuelled further by “passengers” comments from the Saints manager who appears to want to work with a trimmed down, tight knit squad with all involved. It doesn’t mean the end for the Nigeria international, nor was he named specifically but the longer he goes on without game time the more ominous his situation becomes. Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Blackpool looks pivotal in that regard.
On the prospect of a potential move away from St Mary’s this month, Hampshire Live’s Mark Wyatt stated:
“I don’t see it, primarily because he was a summer signing. I still think that he will have a part to play across the second half of the season. Jones also wants experienced players at the club and Joe is one of them, although he’s not played as much as he should have.”
“Jones will still value that experience and I can’t imagine him leaving. But then again, anything can happen in the transfer window so keep your eye on it.”