Southampton Boss Confirms Exit Talks with Joe Aribo

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has confirmed that discussions are underway regarding the future of Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo, with a potential exit from St Mary’s before the close of the January transfer window.

Aribo, who has struggled for regular playing time this season with just seven league appearances, has cut a frustrated figure at the club.

Eckert admitted that the Saints are working to find a solution that benefits both the player and the team.

‘There’s conversations going on at the moment. It needs to make sense for the player first, but obviously also for the club,’ Eckert told the Daily Echo.

‘There are some good conversations taking place at the moment. Those situations are always a little bit more complicated to say it’s just one party.’

The German coach highlighted the complexities of modern transfer negotiations, stressing that multiple stakeholders are often involved in finalising deals.

‘I think there are so many parties nowadays that need to agree for a deal to happen. It didn’t work out the way maybe some parties wanted it to. I think the conversations are now heading in a good direction,’ he added.

Aribo, who joined Southampton from Rangers in 2022, has found opportunities limited under Eckert’s tenure.

With the January window closing soon, the coming days could prove decisive for the Super Eagles international as he weighs up his next move.