Nigeria manager Gernet Rohr has claimed Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo reported late for international duty after he was “concerned by transfer problems” ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
The Rangers star has been linked with a host of clubs since his move to Ibrox but there wasn’t any suggestion a fresh bid had been made before the window closed.
Aribo was one of a few players to arrive late – although he has since linked up with his international teammates – as Rohr explained the reasons why.
“We are ready, we are still missing two players or three (Aribo, Onuachu, Awaziem), they will arrive tonight or tomorrow,” Rohr said [Daily Record].
“These players were concerned by transfer problems so they could not be here with us since (Tuesday).”
Aribo would no doubt generate a healthy transfer fee for Rangers but selling him in the final hours without the chance to sort a replacement would have been crazy.
The Super Eagles star is consistently one of Rangers’ best performers in midfield and is often the player who can unlock tricky defences.
With so much at stake this season for Rangers – both domestically and in Europe – the Light Blues selling Aribo at the 11th hour would have seriously upset fans.
Thankfully, Aribo stayed where he is and the Nigerian will be hoping to have a big say in the outcome of the title this season as Rangers defend their crown.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
