Agbonlahor backs Super Eagles star to dump Rangers this season

Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has reiterated his belief that Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo would be on his way out of Rangers this summer.

The one-time England international believes that Aribo can leave the Scottish giants for a small release clause fee which many clubs will be able to afford. 

Aribo has been at the centre of numerous transfer rumours with Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa all credited with serious interest in the 25-year-old.

In an interview with Football Insider, Agbonlahor stated that the rumoured £10m release clause in Aribo's contract means many clubs will be interested in the UEFA Europa League silver medalist.

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Agbonlahor said: "There will be clubs interested in Joe Aribo. If there is a £10million release clause I’m sure that will be met because of what he showed in the final with his goal."

A £10m transfer fee would represent a tidy profit for Rangers on a player who they signed for only £300,000 from Charlton Athletic in 2019.

Since then, Aribo has helped the Gers win the Scottish Premiership (2021) and the Scottish Cup (2022) whilst scoring 26 goals and notching 25 assists in just 148 matches in all competitions.

Agbonlahor believes that with statistics and performances such as these, several clubs will be eager to sign him up and Rangers would be powerless to stop it.

The ex-England international went on to praise Aribo's work rate and versatility in being able to feature in several positions on the pitch.

"Every time I watched him over the last couple of season he’s been a player that’s stood out for me," Agbonlahor quipped.

“He’s very comfortable on the ball, always shows that work rate and can play a number of positions. He’s a top player who Rangers will not want to lose.”

Aribo has been largely quiet about rumours linking him with a move away from Scotland, stressing a few weeks ago that he is only focused on Rangers for the time being.

The 25-year-old ended an incredible 70-game season with his appearance in a 2-1 2023 AFCON Qualifier against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone on June 9 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.