Joe Aribo’s post-Rangers nightmare continues as Southampton fans take aim after Grimsby FA Cup humiliation
JOE ARIBO punched his ticket to the Premier League when he swapped Rangers for Southampton last summer.
But the move has turned into a nightmare and it got a whole lot worse last night.
The 26-year old joined the Saints in a deal worth up to £10million in early July.
Most Rangers fans were disappointed to see Aribo, who had become a key player at Ibrox, depart the club.
The Nigeria international had performed an integral role in the Gers' journey to the Europa League Final, scoring in the Sevilla showdown with Eintracht Frankfurt.
But the Light Blues chose to cash-in on one of their big assets and he went to the Premier League.
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However, things have only gone from bad to worse at St Mary's for Aribo.
He's been more or less bombed out of the first team picture and hasn't started a single league game this year.
Aribo has played just 37 minutes of EPL football in 2023, with Southampton sitting rock-bottom of the table and under the leadership of a THIRD manager of the season in the form of Ruben Selles.
His difficult time at Saints continued as he was sent to the under-23 team last week.
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He even played in a game for the U23s, when they took on Leeds.
But things hit another low last night as Southampton were absolutely humiliated in the FA Cup.
Saints were sensationally dumped OUT of the competition by Grimsby Town, a team THREE divisions below them.
The League Two side found themselves 2-0 up on 50 minutes against a strong Southampton XI, and held on to win 2-1.
Aribo was sent on after 67 minutes to try and rescue the tie, but he couldn't make a difference.
After the game, furious Southampton fans took to social media to vent against the team, with many taking aim at Aribo's latest performance.
One fan said: "I'm yet to see any valuable in Aribo."
Another added: "Can we get a refund on Aribo?"
A third said: "I hope people can understand why Aribo doesn't start for us."
A fourth fuming Saints fan posted: "Lyanco, Aribo and Adam Armstrong CANNOT play another game for us this season."
A Rangers fan also chimed in with: "Joe Aribo must regret his move big time."
Aribo and Southampton have a huge task if they're to avoid slipping into the Championship next season.
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It's been a dismal season for the south coast club who have taken just 18 points from 24 games.
They're bottom of the table and four points adrift from safety.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page