Nigerian playmaker Joe Aribo looks poised to be a noteworthy figure at the St. Mary’s next season as he has been handed the number seven jersey by the club ahead of the new season.
Southampton released the men’s team squad numbers on their website on Friday.
Aribo arrived in England this summer, following a transfer deal worth €6m that saw him leave Scottish Premiership giants Glasglow Rangers for the Saints. He was one of the Gers’ main players last season after featuring in 57 games.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhüttl seems impressed with his new signing and early indicators point to Aribo being a key player in his lineup next season.
Aribo will take the jersey from Shane Long, who recently left the club for Sky Bet Championship side, Reading.
Aribo takes over from striker Long who made 243 appearances for Southampton, notching 37 goals and 27 assists, and still holds the record for the fastest premier league goal for his goal vs Watford in 2019 under 8 seconds.
Belgian striker Matthew Le Tissier who scored 101 Premier League goals also wore the number seven for Southampton. Kevin Phillips who registered 93 Premier League goals wore the number between 2003-2005 for the club.
Former Liverpool man Rickie Lambert wore the jersey during his five-year stay at the club.
Aribo is currently with his teammates in Austria where they are preparing for the new season.
Southampton will take on RB Leipzig in a pre-season friendly on Saturday (today) and Aribo will look to make an instant impact in his new team.
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