Transfer News: Joe Aribo set for Leicester City loan as Southampton Midfielder nears exit

Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo is reportedly on the verge of completing a loan move to fellow Championship side Leicester City for the remainder of the season.

The Nigerian international has struggled for regular minutes at St Mary’s Stadium this campaign and is now expected to seek a fresh opportunity elsewhere before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Sources suggest the deal is nearing completion, with all parties keen to finalise the move in the coming days.

Aribo has found playing time hard to come by this season, making just seven appearances for the Saints in all competitions. With Southampton reshaping its squad and pushing for consistency in the Championship, the midfielder has slipped down the pecking order.

Compounding the situation is Aribo’s contract status, with only six months remaining on his current deal. A loan exit now would see him leave the club ahead of becoming a free agent in the summer.

The proposed loan move is also expected to ease Southampton’s wage bill, with Leicester City set to cover Aribo’s salary for the duration of the deal.

With financial flexibility a key consideration for many Championship clubs, offloading wages while retaining squad balance has reportedly made this deal attractive to Southampton’s hierarchy.