Joe Aribo exit confirmed as Leicester City announce midfielder’s return to Southampton after the end of his loan spell
Leicester City have confirmed the departure of Joe Aribo following the expiration of the midfielder’s loan spell, as the club begins a major summer squad overhaul after relegation to League One.
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The decision was announced on Sunday in Leicester’s official retained list, which revealed that 10 senior men’s first-team players will leave the club at the end of their contracts this summer.
The club also confirmed that several loan players, including Aribo, would return to their parent clubs following the completion of their temporary deals.
Aribo, who joined Leicester on loan from Southampton FC, is now set to return to St Mary’s, where his contract reportedly runs until June 2026.
The Nigerian midfielder had been widely expected to leave following unsuccessful discussions over a permanent move. Reports had also suggested the player was unwilling to continue playing in England’s third tier after Leicester’s relegation.
“In addition to those players, the loan spells of Jordan James, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Aribo, Dujuan Richards and Divine Mukasa will all end and see the players return to their parent clubs,” Leicester said in the statement.
The retained list forms part of an extensive restructuring process at the club following a disappointing campaign that ended with relegation from the Championship.
Leicester also confirmed the departure of several experienced figures, including club captain Ricardo Pereira, who leaves after eight seasons and more than 200 appearances for the Foxes.
Other senior players departing the club include Patson Daka, Jordan Ayew, Jamaal Lascelles and academy graduate Wanya Marçal.
The club added that extension options had been activated for five academy players, while several youngsters had received new contract offers as Leicester attempt to rebuild for the coming season.
Goalkeeper Asmir Begović is meanwhile still in discussions with the club over a possible contract extension.
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Aribo’s next move is expected to attract attention during the summer transfer window, with the midfielder remaining a valuable and experienced option despite Leicester’s turbulent season.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
