Bournemouth Manager, Eddie Howe, has given a transfer update on rumoured Celtic target, Jordan Ibe, with the former England youth international set to become a free agent in the summer if he doesn’t sign a new deal with the Premier League side, as reported by the Glasgow Times.
Ibe has been a peripheral figure at the Vitality Stadium this season and has been linked with a move north of the border since the summer, with Neil Lennon not fancying Marian Shved and Daniel Arzani along with Mohamed Elyounoussi returning to his parent club, Southampton, he may be tempted into making a move for the former £15m signing to strengthen his forward line without having to break the bank.
Should Celtic look to Ibe to strengthen their forward line?
Yes
No
His current gaffer did, however, signal a word of warning for potential suitors when he was asked whether or not there was any way back for him at the Premier League strugglers:
“I’d be foolish if I sat here and said ‘no, he’s played his last game’, and then he ended up playing again.”
“I never shut the door on anybody until they’ve left the club, I don’t think that’s the way to be, but certainly he’s got a long way back from here.”
“I look at it as a challenge, to try and get the best out of every player under my stewardship, and certainly try and learn from every situation that I faced to try and make myself better for the next situation that occurs.”
“I have no doubt about his quality and playing characteristics, but certainly there needs to be a change in Jordon’s life for him to reach the level that he can.”
Ibe has just 5 goals and 9 assists in 92 appearances from his time on the south coast following his big money move to Liverpool at a time when the future seemed bright for the 24-year-old but his career has hit a cross-roads and his next move will be key to his future prospects and chances of developing into the player that he has shown the potential to be, whether or not that is at Parkhead remains to be seen.