Leicester City have released their retained list for the 2025-2026 season, confirming that three players of Nigerian heritage will depart the club, including midfielder Joe Aribo, who is set to return to Southampton after his loan spell ends. The announcement comes after the Foxes were relegated to League One, a move that has prompted several players to seek new opportunities. Aribo, 29, was unwilling to continue playing in the English third tier despite having prior experience at that level, and his contract with Southampton remains active until June 30, 2026.
Allnigeriasoccer.com had reported five days earlier that Aribo was expected to leave Leicester, even though initial talks about a new deal had taken place. The Super Eagles midfielder, who joined Leicester on loan from Southampton, has not made a significant impact during his time at the King Power Stadium. His decision to leave is seen as a natural progression given the club’s drop in division and his personal career ambitions.
Aribo’s international career has also seen a lull in recent times. He earned widespread praise for scoring a stunning goal against Brazil during a friendly in Singapore on October 13, 2019, a moment that solidified his status as a key figure in the Super Eagles. However, he has not played for Nigeria since coming off the bench in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast. He was also an unused substitute during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, raising questions about his current standing in the national team setup.
In addition to Aribo, two young academy talents, Toby Onanaye, 19, and Olaoluwa Omobolaji, 18, will also leave the club when their contracts expire next month. Both players were part of Leicester’s youth development system but failed to break into the first team during the season. Their departures mark the end of their time with the club, as they look to find opportunities elsewhere in their footballing journey.
Leicester City’s relegation to League One has triggered a major overhaul of their squad, with several players expected to leave in the coming weeks. The club is now focused on rebuilding and strengthening its squad for the upcoming season. For Aribo and the academy duo, this marks a new chapter as they seek to continue their careers with clubs that align with their ambitions and playing levels.
The departure of these Nigerian-linked players highlights the challenges faced by footballers in navigating career transitions, especially after a club’s relegation. As the transfer window opens, fans and clubs alike will be watching closely to see where these players land next.
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