SPFL defender: Rangers ace Joe Aribo good enough to play in Premier League
Livingston centre-back Ayo Obileye has tipped Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo to play in the Premier League someday having seen his development over the years.
Both Nigerians played together at Charlton Athletic, and having moved to the Premiership separately, the defender has told allnigeriasoccer that his mate could be on the move soon.
Aribo has been linked with a couple of clubs in the Premier League, and while nothing solid has materialised in the past, Obileye reckons the Nigeria international has everything it takes to play at the highest level.
He told allnigeriasoccer: “Joe is a great player. When I was with him at Charlton Athletic you got to see the potential he has and I’m happy he’s showing it on the big stage.
“The ball is in his court to decide whether he wants to stay at Rangers for a few more years or move to the Premier League.
“I think he could play in the Premier League but that decision is up to him”.
Definitely
Aribo is entering the final 18 months of his deal, and his contract situation would have definitely kept admirers on alert.
He helped Rangers land the title last season and has been one of their best players so far under Giovanni Van Bronckhorst.
It will not be a surprise if clubs from the English top-flight come calling in January to test the waters.
Suitors know the Ibrox side will not be keen to lose him for free, and a juicy bid next month or in the summer could be very tempting.
It is unknown whether the Nigerian international would love to pen an extension having not done so since he joined in 2019 as a free agent, but it could now be too little too late to do that.
Aribo will be off with the Super Eagles for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations, and GvB will definitely miss his influence in the middle of the park.
Should he decide not to sign a new deal, Rangers should be looking to cash in on him when they still can.
They cannot afford to have a repeat of the Connor Goldson contract situation.
In other Rangers news, The Athletic has shared if billionaire wants to buy the Bears after recent major development.