Official: Southampton sign Super Eagles star

The Nigerian contingent within the English top-flight has elevated with the arrival of the previous Charlton Athletic midfielder forward of what guarantees to be an fascinating 2022-23 season

Southampton FC has lastly unveiled Tremendous Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo, making the Nigerian worldwide the membership’s second signing of the summer time switch window.

Welcome to Southampton, @J_Aribo19! ? pic.twitter.com/sG0vY6mQo1

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 9, 2022

Making the announcement on their official Twitter account, the Saints welcomed the 25-year-old from Rangers FC. 

Aribo, with the transfer, ends a profitable three-year spell at Rangers and fulfills a lifelong dream to play within the English Premier League.

Rangers can as we speak verify the switch of @J_Aribo19 to @SouthamptonFC for a major, undisclosed charge.

Aribo has served Rangers with distinction within the final three seasons, and leaves with the most effective needs of everybody at Ibrox.

— Rangers Soccer Membership (@RangersFC) July 9, 2022

“It’s an incredible membership with a number of historical past right here, and it’s a very good plan with what’s to come back subsequent. I’m actually excited for the journey,” Aribo advised Southampton’s official web site.

“The Premier League is the most effective league on this planet. I’ve been watching it since I used to be a younger boy, it’s at all times been a purpose for me to play right here and present what I can do on this stage.

“It’s an incredible feeling, a dream come true. That is the place I’ve needed to be since I used to be a toddler rising up enjoying, so to say that I’m right here now’s actually thrilling.”

From the EFL to the EPL

Born in Camberwell, England, to Nigerian mother and father, Joe Aribo started his membership profession at Staines City.

The teenager then spent 4 years with Charlton Athletic within the English Soccer League.

Famously in opposition to Charlton supervisor Lee Bowyer’s recommendation, Aribo took the daring determination to stop the Valley and transfer to Scotland to hitch Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard at Rangers on a free switch in 2019.

Worldwide recognition quickly adopted for the teenager, who later that 12 months made his Tremendous Eagles debut, scoring in opposition to Ukraine.

Remarkably, Aribo scored one other memorable purpose in opposition to Brazil in his second look for Nigeria, sealing his spot within the staff since then.

Success additionally adopted him to the Ibrox Stadium, the place he proved a vital member of the Rangers staff that lifted the Scottish Premiership title in 2021, having gone the marketing campaign unbeaten.

Extra extraordinary issues quickly adopted as Aribo made his maiden look on the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations event in Cameroon in January.

The 25-year-old then led Rangers to the ultimate of the Europa League, scoring within the 1-1 draw in opposition to Eintracht Frankfurt. One Rangers supporter known as it the best purpose of his life.

Rangers misplaced to the Germans on penalties.

However Aribo laughed final because the Gers lifted the Scottish Cup with a victory over Hearts in Might.

And after 148 video games, 26 targets and 25 assists for the Gentle Blues, Aribo is able to step as much as the Premier League with Southampton.