Southampton Extend Contracts for Two Nigerian Stars Amid Relegation Rebuild

Southampton have announced new contract offers to two key Nigerian players following their relegation from the Premier League. Midfielder Joe Aribo and young forward Victor Udoh have both been presented with fresh deals as part of the Saints’ plan to strengthen their squad for the upcoming Championship campaign.

Joe Aribo, 28, joined Southampton from Rangers in 2022 and quickly became a mainstay in midfield, making 88 appearances and scoring nine goals so far. Known for his box-to-box dynamism and leadership, he is regarded as a vital figure in the dressing room and on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Victor Akaniyene Udoh, 20, who signed a three and a half year deal with Southampton in February 2025 from Royal Antwerp, has impressed in the club’s Under-21 setup. He netted 12 goals in 27 appearances for Antwerp’s youth side before making the move to St Mary’s.

Southampton’s proactive approach in retaining both Aribo and Udoh highlights their ambition to build a squad balanced with experience and youthful potential as they seek immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

Editorial

We commend Southampton’s swift decisions to secure Aribo and Udoh on new deals. Aribo’s presence brings stability and Premier League pedigree to a side aiming for instant promotion, while Udoh represents the club’s commitment to youth development and future sophistication in attack.

We believe this blend is crucial. Aribo’s leadership as seen in his nearly nine goals and countless midfield interventions anchors the squad. Udoh, fresh from a prolific spell in Belgium, offers raw energy and long-term promise. Together, they represent continuity and growth.

Yet ambition must be matched by structure. Southampton should integrate both into a coherent tactical system rather than resting on their individual strengths. Aribo should be central to midfield build-up and transition, while Udoh deserves targeted pathways from the Under-21s to the first team perhaps via cup games and planned rotational minutes.

Transparency about roles and expectations will also help build morale. If the duo knows their place in a promotion-focused plan, motivation will follow. And if management pairs these contract offers with strategic signings and performance support, the club can turn relegation into a short-term setback rather than a long-term drift.

We look forward to seeing Aribo anchor the midfield and Udoh’s emergence as a bright attacking talent. Southampton’s immediate Championship ambitions depend on translating this smart contract strategy into on-pitch progress.

Did You Know?

1. Joe Aribo has earned 34 caps for Nigeria since his debut in 2019 and was part of their squads at AFCON 2021 and 2023.
2. According to club financial reports, Aribo earns approximately £70,000 per week, placing him among Southampton’s top earners.
3. Victor Udoh, born 18 October 2004 in Akwa Ibom, scored 12 goals in 27 appearances for Royal Antwerp’s youth side before joining Southampton.
4. Udoh has yet to feature for the senior Saints squad but is considered a standout in the Under-21s forwards group.
5. The average age of Southampton’s retained senior squad is 26.4 years, indicating a deliberate focus on blending youth and experience.