Former Liverpool and Bournemouth winger Jordon Ibe has signed for National League outfit Ebbsfleet United.
The 27-year-old made his breakthrough as a highly-rated prospect with Wycombe Wanderers before joining Liverpool as a teenager. The ex-England youth international broke into the first team under Brendan Rodgers and club legend Steven Gerrard said he had “a big future ahead of him”.
Ibe could not convince Jurgen Klopp that he was good enough for his squad, however, and was sold to Bournemouth for £15 million in 2016.
After being released by the Cherries in 2020, he had spells with Derby County and Turkish side Adanaspor, but his career was interrupted by mental health issues and a broken leg.
Now it seems like Ibe has gotten his life and career back on track after finding a new club. “I just want to get back out there, show people what I can do again and play football,” Ibe told Ebbsfleet’s website.
“I’ve worked hard to be in a position where I am able to focus on football and believe in myself and my ability to contribute on the pitch. Being back out there is where I love to be and where I’m most happy but I needed to be healthy and prepared to give myself that chance.
“The way Ebbsfleet have helped me and put a process in place so I can be ready has been really supportive. I came in and have had to back myself and prove I’m here to succeed to earn my chance. The gaffer and staff have built up my fitness to the point where I’m ready to go with a ball and I’m really pleased to be able to concentrate on my game while at the same time being really supported.”
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