What Joe Aribo could bring Leicester City as managers outline his strengths | OneFootball

Leicester City are set to sign Joe Aribo on loan from Southampton on deadline day to ease a midfield injury crisis, according to LeicesterMercury.co.uk. Early reaction from Saints fans online has been celebratory, with City covering at least part of his wages.

Recruited by Steven Gerrard for Rangers, Aribo was key to the 2021 league and cup double and the following year’s Europa League run. He produced 51 goals and assists in 149 matches and earned regular praise for attitude, readiness and versatility, including an emergency stint at left-back.

He is most effective in central midfield, where Gerrard later highlighted his power, bursts from deep, skill and willingness to shoot, describing him as low maintenance.

At Southampton last season in the Championship, Aribo moved from impact substitute to regular through winter, then contributed in the run-in and play-offs. After a 5-0 win over Swansea brought his first goal of the campaign, Russell Martin praised his patience, humility, work rate and relentless runs into the box.

Aribo was a Premier League regular the year before, but under Will Still he played only in the manager’s final match. The club had explored a summer sale and he rejoined first-team training after the window closed. Under Eckert he made six cameos in seven, yet has not featured in the last 10 league games and has been out of squads since the January window opened.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk