18th January, 2022
Nigeria star Joe Aribo caught the eye once again as he stole the show in the Super Eagles’ African Cup of Nations win over Egypt.
But could more strong performances from the midfielder tempt a club into splashing the cash on him in either January or this summer?
Aribo’s stock has never been higher.
He joined Rangers on a free transfer in the summer of 2019, becoming part of the Steven Gerrard revolution at Ibrox, and he played a starring role as the club finally ended their title drought last season, claiming a record-setting 55th Scottish Premiership crown.
His performances and form have certainly made his old boss, Lee Bowyer, look foolish.
When Aribo first left Charlton for the Gers, then Addicks boss Bowyer claimed the young midfielder was making a massive mistake, suggesting players only left English football for Scottish football “at the end of their careers”.
Aribo has proved his old boss wrong though – in spectacular fashion.
The 25-year-old midfielder’s stock has skyrocketed over the past couple of years and he has become a regular in the Nigerian national team.
He linked up with the Super Eagles earlier this month for the African Cup of Nations, and he travelled there in the best form of his career with many hailing him as Rangers’ best player of the season so far.
His performances for club and country have caught the attention of a host of English Premier League clubs and Rangers now face a fight to hold onto one of their most prized assets, so can they re-sign the talented midfielder to a new deal or could they be forced to cash in with 18 months remaining on his current deal?
Brentford are believed to be a frontrunner for his signature, with bookmakers previously making them the favourites to land Aribo during the current transfer window.
Crystal Palace are also thought to be in the running for the London-born star along with Watford.
But what about Newcastle with some football tipsters predicting he could move to Tyneside?
The Magpies were considered dark horses to land Aribo prior to Christmas and the new owners have wasted no time in splashing the cash now that the January transfer window is open.
United have already swooped for Atletico Madrid and England defender Kieran Trippier and Burnley and New Zealand striker Chris Wood.
Could they now be tempted to make a play for Aribo as part of an overhaul of the squad?
They certainly have the funds to make a big-money offer that could tempt Rangers into selling either now or during the summer window.
Wherever he does end up next, if Aribo continues on his current trajectory he will be one of the stars of the English Premier League should he depart Rangers and return to England.