As Ibrox fans are softened up for the sale of Joe Aribo they are being warned that the fee from Southampton won’t be funding a spending spree.
In four weeks time Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad face a Champions League Third Round qualifier that could open, or close the door, on £30m for the club.
With no basis whatsoever a claim has emerged on social media that the contract that Aribo signed in 2019 contained a £10m release clause that only applied to the final year of his four year contract.
Southampton appear to be in talks with the midfielder who isn’t with the rest of van Bronckhorst’s squad in Portugal.
Like the Nathan Patterson transfer in January incredible top spin is likely all focussed on the figure of £10m. Reality is likely to be around £5m guaranteed with the infamous add-ons to be paid for who knows what.
Enough to get the Antonio Colak deal over the line will represent progress, and set a low bench mark as the agents for Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent get to work on engineering escapes on similar terms.
Reported this last month on what to expect from Rangers this window.
There is a budget for a significant fee for a key player + fund other signings from Bosman/cross-border markets etc.
Extra spending was always going to be from sales like Aribo.https://t.co/nQX3WfMr2B
— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) July 5, 2022
? Rangers and Southampton are in negotiations over the transfer of Joe Aribo, @TheAthleticUK understands.
There is a £10m release clause in his contract & Rangers won’t accept a total package below that value.
Player in final year – w/@David_Ornstein https://t.co/gw68krBXlv
— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) July 5, 2022
? Rangers and Southampton are in negotiations over the transfer of Joe Aribo, @TheAthleticUK understands.
There is a £10m release clause in his contract & Rangers won’t accept a total package below that value.
Player in final year – w/@David_Ornstein https://t.co/gw68krBXlv
— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) July 5, 2022