Southampton manager defends decision to keep Aribo out of squad after failed summer move

Southampton manager Will Still has shared insight on the reasons behind Joe Aribo’s continued absence from the matchday squad since the start of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

The Nigerian international was heavily linked with an exit from St. Mary's during the summer transfer window. 

However, no deal materialised, leaving the midfielder to fight for his place in the squad.

Speaking ahead of Southampton’s weekend clash against Swansea City, Still revealed that Aribo is not currently fit enough and has not done enough in training to merit a place in the team.

"They're still with us but they've missed a whole chunk of pre-season, and we have to be fair and honest with everyone," Still revealed as reported by Daily Echo.

"Who are you taking out? Are you going to say to Leo [Scienza], Tom Fellows, Finn [Azaz] or Jay Robinson, you're out because Sam Edozie's back in?"

The 33-year-old added that difficult selection decisions have to be made for the good of the team.

"They're just choices that we have to make. I'm just trying to stay as honest and as level as I can with everyone, and they're crap decisions, mate.

"But you've got to make them, and that's what we're doing for the moment," he concluded.

Aribo was a key figure for the Saints last season, making 37 appearances across all competitions and scoring three goals.

Despite his contributions, he has yet to feature in any competitive fixture since the start of the 2025/2026 campaign in the Championship.

With the January transfer window approaching, Aribo will be eager to regain full fitness and form in a bid to revive his career — either by reclaiming his place at Southampton or securing a move back to topflight football in Europe
 

Adeyemi Adewale

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