How much money Southampton would save on wages if Joe Aribo sealed mooted Rangers move | OneFootball

FLW look at the financial saving for Southampton on Joe Aribo's wages if Rangers re-sign the midfielder in January.

Joe Aribo has been linked with a return to Rangers, with the Southampton midfielder further down the pecking order now than he was when he first arrived at the club in 2022.

The former Charlton Athletic man previously played 149 games for Rangers, scoring or assisting 51 times. Now, former professional footballer Marvin Bartley has tipped the Nigerian for a potential move back to Ibrox via Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on YouTube.

Aribo made the reverse switch in a deal reportedly worth £10 million including add-ons. Across 149 appearances for the Glasgow giants, his last also came in the Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Southampton fans have had their say regarding Aribo amid talk of a potential departure. Despite Southampton's resurgence under Tonda Eckert showcasing that he could have a role to play, an exit seems likelier sooner rather than later.

The money Southampton could make from Joe Aribo joining Rangers

Eckert is showing just how good the squad at his disposal actually is, with the Saints failing to get going under Will Still. It wasn't until interim boss Eckert took temporary charge that Aribo finally began to find his way back into the first-team fold.

Even so, his reintegration into the team has been gradual, and his lack of action before that has left him looking short of match fitness. He is also in the final six months of his deal, which is why speculation over his future has grown.

As Aribo was someone signed in their Premier League stint, he is expected to be a high earner. As per 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 after a sensational period north of the border with Rangers, which perhaps explains why the figure is as a high as it is. Now, Aribo is tipped for a Rangers return, with a £1.5 million fee reported to secure his services ahead of his contract expiring.

That said, it's unclear whether Rangers could then agree terms with Aribo personally, given how hefty his wages are estimated to be.

Joe Aribo deal could be too good to be true for Southampton

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 with that saving and the fee received, but it would also continue the club's reset after a period shaped by costly mistakes in the top flight.

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 be too keen to retain someone on such a wage who is mostly a bench or rotation option.

Saints have thrown themselves back into the promotion race after a poor start, and their squad is more than capable of pushing further. However, any extra edge they can get themselves financially in January has to be regarded as welcome by Eckert.