Gutted Ally McCoist admits he is disappointed to see Joe Aribo leave Rangers this summer - and reckons it's a shock that he will leave Ibrox for less than his £10million buyout clause.
The Nigerian international looks set to leave the Europa League finalists before his current contract expires next summer, with the club deciding to cash in rather than lose him for nothing in a year’s time after the playmaker decided his long-term future lay elsewhere. A move to Southampton is edging closer, with reports south of the border suggesting a £6million fee has been agreed between the two clubs.
It is noted that the fee could rise to more than £10million when add-ons are included, with Aribo set to undergo a medical at St Mary's in the coming days before rubber stamping his move to the English Premier League. Rangers are set to land a tidy profit on the £300,000 the club shelled out to land Aribo from Charlton back in 2019, but it is suggested that the final fee agreed is below a £10million buyout clause written into the 25-year-old's contract.
Ibrox hero McCoist admits it will be a blow that Aribo is set to leave, but reckons it's not a surprise that the versatile midfielder has taken his chance to play in the English top flight. However, the reported fee has left McCoist perplexed.
When asked if he was disappointed by the move, McCoist told talkSPORT: "Yes, but not shocked. Joe Aribo goes with our thanks and our blessings. I think it was Charlton we got him from a few years back, and he has been fabulous. He has blossomed and he has grown. He has 20 odd caps for Nigeria, and if he goes to Southampton they will be getting a very, very good player.
"But I am looking at it, and it's strange, I don't know why they would have a £10million clause and the fee is £6million, it's a strange one that isn't it? The add ons could potentially take it over.
"The bottom line is if he does go I would have no problem in speaking for the Rangers fans and saying thank you Joe Aribo and wishing him all the best. i think Southampton will be getting a very, very good player."
He admits he is concerned this could just be the beginning of the sales by the Scottish Cup winners. Both Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent have a year left on their deals, while Calvin Bassey has been heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa.
When asked about the out of contract players, McCoist added: "I am a little bit concerned. Morelos' contract is up after another year, and I think Ryan Kent's contract is up after another year. I would actually be happier with my Rangers supporting scarf if we tied those two down for another year.
"Also another player who was outstanding towards the end of the season was Calvin Bassey. In all seriousness, he was incredible. I'm a little bit concerned, but there are a lot of good things happening at Rangers."
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