Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo is edging closer to a loan move to Leicester City for the remainder of the season, with both clubs understood to have reached an agreement ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
A source close to Elite Management Group, who represent the player, confirmed to Footy-Africa that the Leicester City move is the most advanced option on the table.
“Aribo’s case is a bit peculiar because he was supposed to move to Turkey in the summer, but it didn’t materialise unfortunately,” the source said. “There were a lot of issues with it and in the end he did not move. He’s not been playing for Southampton and he wants to get back into action.
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“The interest from Leicester is concrete and I can confirm it. I hope it doesn’t go the way the Turkey proposal did. He needs to start playing and Southampton won’t be an issue. His contract expires next summer, so it is a win for both parties.”
The source also revealed movement involving another Nigerian client:
“I can also tell you that Uchenna Ogundu, who is with the stable, is going to Germany with Augsburg from Alanyaspor in Turkey. An agreement has been reached with his Turkish club,” he added.
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Aribo had attracted renewed interest from Turkey earlier in the window, but the midfielder has opted to remain in England, preferring the familiarity of the league and the chance to make an immediate impact.
The former Rangers man joined Southampton in 2022 in a well-publicised move from the Scottish Premiership, where he had built a reputation as one of the league’s most consistent performers. However, this season has proven difficult, with Aribo limited to just seven appearances so far.
The Nigeria international has endured a frustrating campaign at St Mary’s, struggling for minutes in a crowded midfield. Aribo, currently valued at €4 million by Transfermarkt, has made just seven appearances for Southampton this season, all from the bench, and is eager to return to regular action.
With only six months left on his contract, Southampton are open to sanctioning a short-term exit, a situation that suits all parties. Leicester City have moved decisively as they look to bolster their options for the second half of the season, seeing Aribo’s versatility and top-flight experience as valuable assets.
