Rangers legend explains why now is ‘right time’ to pack Joe Aribo off to London; names realistic price

Rob McCarthy 27 Jun 2022 8:58 PM

Rangers legend Kenny Miller claims now is the opportune moment for the Ibrox outfit to sell Joe Aribo, with Crystal Palace best suited to seal a deal for the versatile midfielder.

Several teams are known to be chasing the dynamic Gers star, who scored for the club in their Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt back in May.

Aribo will be out of contract next summer. That means the next couple of months will be the club’s best chance to command a decent fee for the player.

Former Gers boss Steven Gerrard is also known to be keeping an eye on Aribo at Aston Villa. However, a move to Palace appears to be the most realistic option at this stage.

And according to Miller, who made 301 appearances for Rangers, Aribo could affect the dressing room – if he fails to secure an exit this summer.

Miller told the Daily Record: “Joe is now at a good age. If you profile him, he has everything a Premier League club would want.

“With a year left on his contract, teams won’t be stupid with potential bids. Rangers will have a valuation of what he’s worth and it’s about whether they can find that common ground with a buyer. Aribo, Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent are all going into their last year.

“They’re all starting players so you don’t want constant speculation. It can sidetrack the player and become a sideshow for the manager who gets asked about it every week.

“So I’d like to see Aribo’s situation resolved quickly. Either re-sign him on a new deal or if the board are willing to sell, let’s bring in the most money we can.

Capital gains for Aribo

“London probably makes sense for Joe because it’s where he grew up. He will have ambitions of playing in the Premier League. And of those three players at Rangers, you have to think at least one will move on. Joe only signed for around £300k. If Rangers can get around £8million for him it’s good business.

“That’s the model every club wants. You sign cheap – the same way Celtic did with Moussa Dembele – and sell big. Clubs need to balance the books and Rangers are no different.

“Right now, Aribo is still an asset. But if it gets to Christmas time and nothing’s happened, he’ll probably leave for nothing. It’s all about timing. If it’s right for the player and club, maybe now is a good time for him to go.”

Joe Aribo