Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has addressed speculation linking Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo with a possible departure from St. Mary’s Stadium during the January winter transfer window.

The Nigerian international has been linked with a return to Scottish side Rangers following a challenging campaign with the Saints.

Aribo has struggled for game time, making just seven league appearances and totaling only 111 minutes since the season began in August.

He has not featured since coming on as a substitute in Southampton’s 3-2 win over West Brom on December 9, 2025, and has been left out of the matchday squads for the last three league games against Millwall, Middlesbrough, and Hull City.

Speaking to the Daily Echo ahead of Southampton’s clash with Sheffield United, Eckert explained his decision to omit Aribo, citing satisfaction with the squad’s current performances.

"In general, I was very happy with the players we had available for matchdays, and that's where the situation is at the moment,” Eckert revealed.

Addressing speculation about Aribo’s future, the Saints boss suggested a potential exit as part of efforts to streamline the squad.

"The transfer window goes for another two weeks. Then we see what happens and, in general, I think the squad needs to become a bit lighter."

Aribo enjoyed a successful spell at Rangers, notably scoring in a UEFA Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022.

With less than two weeks to the end of the window, he will be hoping to secure a move away from St. Mary’s Stadium to reignite his career.

Adeyemi Adewale