Joe Aribo is set to leave Southampton before the transfer deadline, with the Nigerian midfielder close to completing a loan move aimed at rescuing a season that has stalled on the south coast.
With opportunities increasingly limited at St Mary’s Stadium, Aribo will not see out the campaign with the Saints.
The 29-year-old, who has struggled for regular involvement this season, is expected to join Leicester City on loan for the remainder of the campaign, according to reports from Complete Sports.
The deal is anticipated to be concluded before Monday’s deadline, allowing the player to seek immediate game time rather than wait until the summer.
The move brings clarity to a situation that had become uncertain for both player and club.
Aribo has entered the final six months of his Southampton contract, meaning he will become a free agent at the end of the season once the loan spell concludes.
From Southampton’s perspective, the arrangement provides a financial benefit, easing the wage bill at a time when the club is carefully managing its resources.
On the pitch, Aribo’s reduced role has been one of the notable features of Southampton’s campaign.
After being a regular presence since arriving from Rangers in 2022, the midfielder has found himself largely on the sidelines this term.
He has made just seven appearances in the Championship, a sharp contrast to the 111 matches he played across all competitions during his first seasons at the club.
The lack of minutes has inevitably raised questions about his immediate future, particularly given his experience and status as an established international.
A temporary switch offers Aribo the chance to reset, regain rhythm and demonstrate his value in a competitive environment, something that has been difficult to achieve amid limited opportunities.
For Leicester City, the move represents a short-term reinforcement, while for Aribo it is a chance to revive momentum at a crucial stage of his career.
Having spent much of the season on the bench, the midfielder will be keen to make an impact quickly and remind observers of the qualities that once made him a mainstay at Southampton.
As the transfer window draws to a close, Aribo’s impending departure underlines how swiftly fortunes can change in football.
For now, the focus shifts to what he can produce away from St Mary’s, as he looks to turn a frustrating season into a fresh opportunity elsewhere.
