Tremendous Eagles Star Snubbed Benfica, Frankfurt For Rangers – Report

The Portuguese and German sides wished the Nigerian worldwide earlier than he went to Scotland to hitch the Glasgow giants

Benfica and Eintracht Frankfurt have been concerned with signing Tremendous Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo earlier than he agreed to hitch Glasgow Rangers three years in the past, in line with a report by The Athletic (subscription required).

Having nurtured Aribo for 4 years, Charlton Athletic wished the teen to decide to a brand new long-term contract in 2019.

However the Nigerian midfielder, who had contributed 16 objectives and 15 assists in 97 appearances, desired a extra vital problem than League One.

Snubbing Benfica and Frankfurt

Aribo helped Charlton acquire promotion to the Championship in his final season, however his eyes have been set on the English Premier League – the soccer summit in England.

Obtainable on a free switch, Aribo attracted curiosity from a number of golf equipment, with Portugal’s Benfica and Germany’s Frankfurt the favourites for his signature.

However, as per The Athletic, the then 22-year-old ace couldn’t agree phrases with the 2 European giants. Southampton additionally enquired from Charlton about Aribo on the time.

Deciding for Rangers

Charlton’s supervisor on the time, Lee Bowyer, did his bit to persuade Aribo to remain on the Valley.

However the then-Rangers supervisor Steven Gerrard made the game-changing transfer. The previous Liverpool hero met with Aribo and satisfied the teen to shun any switch abroad.

Aribo finally signed a four-year cope with Rangers.

“I do know that Lee Bowyer tried his damnedest to maintain him right here,” Charlton’s academy director Steve Avory informed The Athletic.

“Lee (Bowyer) tried to persuade him that he ought to keep in England for at times in a yr, he would get the transfer to the Premier League.

“There isn’t a unhealthy feeling in anyway and it was a lovely provide to go to Rangers, who’re an enormous membership with an enormous custom. And it turned out an awesome expertise for him.”

Aribo received the Scottish Premiership title, lifted the Scottish Cup, and scored within the Europa League closing as his keep in Scotland proved each bit a hit.

The 25-year-old on Saturday accomplished his dream transfer to the Premier League after signing a four-year contract with Southampton.