Brian Laudrup has told The Mail that he is hoping Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo struggles to shine at the African Cup of Nations. Amid interest from Premier League clubs, Laudrup is worried AFCON could be Aribo’s stage.
Aribo, 25, has been brilliant for Rangers this season – having a hand in 11 goals during his 32 league and cup appearances for the Gers. Under Gio van Bronckhorst, he has been converted into a no.10 under the Dutch boss.
Since joining the Gers from Charlton, he has had a hand in 43 goals from midfield in his 123 games. The London-born star is now at AFCON with Nigeria, set to win his 13th cap against Mo Salah’s Egypt on Tuesday.
The Athletic reported last week that Aribo has ‘huge admirers’ at Villa, with Steven Gerrard the man to sign him for Rangers. Ibrox hero Laudrup is hoping Aribo fails to shine at AFCON, to avoid generating interest.
“I do hope he is not too good at the AFCON because the management team would not like to lose a player of his stature. But he’s going to draw a lot of attention, that’s for sure. It will be a huge task to replace Aribo.”
Laudrup on Aribo: Rangers star could cost a huge fee in summer
While Laudrup is hoping Aribo struggles at AFCON, the actual presence of the midfielder at the tournament hampers the chances of Villa signing him this month. But in the summer, a move could be on the cards.
The midfielder has entered the final 18 months of his contract at Ibrox and while a new deal is likely to be offered to Aribo – a move back down south will prove tempting. Certainly, working under Gerrard is attractive, again.
How much could Rangers request for Aribo? His contract situation might reduce that fee slightly, but the Gers have got to expect a similar fee to the one that saw Nathan Patterson move to Everton earlier this month.
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