If Rangers call: Tonda Eckert can't stand in Southampton's way of saving £70k p/w | OneFootball

Joe Aribo is tipped for a potential move away from Southampton.

Joe Aribo is back in the fold under Tonda Eckert at Southampton, after failing to make the matchday squad until Gameweek 13.

The midfielder has mainly been used as a second-half substitute in recent weeks, but has been tipped for a return to Rangers in January - with the Nigerian's contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

Aribo is remembered fondly at Ibrox, and a return to the Scottish giants could make sense for all parties, with Southampton shaving a huge part of their wage bill as they aim for promotion back to the Premier League.

Joe Aribo tipped for Rangers move - Southampton would save big money

According to Capology estimates, 29-year-old Aribo is the highest-paid player in the current Southampton squad, with a figure of £70,000 per week reported.

The midfielder made the switch to St Mary's in 2022 after a sensational period north of the border with Rangers, where he is now tipped for a return, with a £1.5 million fee reported.

With Rangers storming to the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership title under Steven Gerrard, Aribo found the back of the net six times and provided four assists. He would become further crucial the following term, with eight goals and six assists in the league.

Though it would be his European exploits that put his name down in Rangers history. With a goal and three assists in the 2021/22 Europa League campaign, the Nigerian would open the scoring in Seville after a fantastic run to the final.

Rangers would go on to lose on penalties against Eintracht Frankfurt, though the moment of Aribo's goal will live long in the memories of supporters.

Rangers are looking to rescue what has been a massively under-par campaign so far, with Danny Röhl now in charge after a poor start under ex-Saints boss Russell Martin. And while Aribo's contract expires in the summer, Rangers may see January as an ideal time to strengthen, while Southampton may look to bring in a fee, instead of losing the midfielder for nothing at the end of the season.

Tonda Eckert can't stand in the way - savings could be key

Southampton's resurgence under Tonda Eckert has showcased just how good the squad at his disposal actually is, with the Saints failing to get going under his predecessor, Will Still.

And while Aribo is currently the highest paid on the club's books, he isn't exactly banging on the door for a starting spot, having racked up just 111 Championship minutes this term.

Saints could save £70,000 per week in wages if Aribo were to depart in January. Not only would an exit potentially allow Southampton to further strengthen during the window, but it would also continue the club's reset after a period shaped by costly Premier League stints.

If a move were to materialise, it could be a huge benefit for Southampton. And while Aribo has returned to action under Eckert, the German head coach can't stand in the way. Saints have thrown themselves back into the promotion race after a poor start, and their squad is more than capable of pushing further.

Losing Aribo won't impact this, and it will give the club valuable breathing room when it comes to bringing in recruits.