Joe Aribo’s Charlton exit confirmed as Rangers confirm deal

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Rangers have confirmed the signing of Charlton midfielder Joe Aribo – subject to international clearance.

The Addicks star, 22, will join on a four-year contract.

Charlton say they will get an undisclosed training compensation fee under FIFA regulations. It will be majorly lower than the sum if Aribo had stayed in England.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard said: “There were a lot of clubs in for Joe around Europe, in the Premier League and the Championship. There was a lot of interest in him but for me it’s just another top player joining Rangers.

“He’s mobile, dynamic, can burst past a player and create and score goals. There is room for him to develop but he’ll give us something we’ve not got in the midfield department.

“He’s left footed, which is something we don’t have in our midfield at the moment so he’ll give us more balance. We have a good midfield but currently we don’t have a player with Joe’s characteristics.

“He is tall, athletic and quick. He’s a box-to-box player and is not afraid to open the door when he gets around the box and he can unlock defences.

“We’re confident we can turn Joe into an even better player and I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“He’s still young and we firmly believe there is a lot to come from him, but we need to be patient in order to allow him to continue his development and to improve as a player with the club.”

PICTURE BY PAUL EDWARDS