Joe Aribo is one of two players unseen in Southampton's preseason training, which hints at a sale of the midfielder as he enters the final year of his contract.
By now, Southampton's challenging start to the next season has been well known and thankfully, for the fans, the club has begun preparing for it. Starting last midweek, the supporters have been following the side and Will Still closely and so far, they would be impressed with the boss.
But while the manager's actions have been pacifying Southampton fans for a dream run, not everything has pleased them. Well, and it being the scenario for close to a week, it has begun to bother them.
As per the Saints Extra report, it's the absence of a crucial Saints duo, Aaron Ramsdale and Joe Aribo in the Preseason camp.
Honestly, here Ramsdale's unavailability makes sense for how he has been busy handling his transfer rumours, but Aribo's unknown miss is making the fans worried.
Joe Aribo's Preseason absence hints at his way out
That's because despite being tipped for an uncertain future by Simon Rusk in May initially, St. Mary's remains split on where Aribo would finish this summer. And the fact that the midfielder's contract expires next year makes it further complicated.
Now, for what Aribo's presence has provided the Saints so far, his departure will definitely mean a void in the roster. But it's an option Southampton would be open to.
Having endured a helpless departure of Kyle Walker-Peters, Southampton wouldn't want to let the situation repeat with Joe Aribo. With that in mind, given the plethora of midfield options they have with Shea Charles' return, the Saints may consider it best to sell the 28-year-old.
But the blunt truth be told again, it's a 50-50 for Aribo's Southampton future. Neither will his stay surprise the St. Mary's faithful nor a departure, which many supporters may be rooting for now.