According to a recent report from the Scottish Sun, Celtic can sign Bournemouth’s winger Jordon Ibe on a free transfer in the summer. The report mentions that the Cherries have informed Ibe that his contract would not be extended. This means that Ibe would be a free agent at the end of this season.
It is believed that Neil Lennon is a long term admirer of the former Liverpool winger. Celtic were even linked with him last summer, but Bournemouth kept Ibe. However, Ibe failed to establish himself for the Premier League outfit as he hasn’t started a game in the Premier League. Bournemouth had spent £15m on Ibe in 2016, and it is fair to say that he has failed to live up to the expectations.
Do Celtic need wingers?
Celtic allowed Scott Sinclair and Lewis Morgan to leave in January and they didn’t really manage to replace them then. Mohamed Elyounoussi has impressed for the Hoops, but he is only on a season-long loan from Southampton. Therefore there is no guarantee that Lennon would be able to sign him permanently. Moreover, signing him would cost a fair bit.
Marian Shved and Daniel Arzani are nowhere near the first team at the moment. Hence, a winger would be a top priority for Lennon in the summer. On a free transfer, Ibe would be worth considering. It is believed that the English winger is open to moving to the north of the border.
Should Celtic go after Ibe?
The winger burst onto the scene with Liverpool, and he was compared with Raheem Sterling in terms of playing style. However, Sterling has taken himself to another level in the past few years whereas Ibe has failed to fulfil his potential so far.
The 24-year-old is primarily a right-winger, but he can play down the left-wing as well. The winger’s standout assets are his pace and acceleration, but he certainly needs to work on his decision making in the final third. Ibe has managed to play just 47 minutes in the Premier League this season, and he has even failed to make the matchday squad on most occasions this term. Hence, doubts would be there whether he would be able to turn his career around at Celtic.
However, the fact that he is available on a free transfer would make him a no-risk signing for the Bhoys. Ibe currently earns £40,000-a-week at Bournemouth, and we think that he might have to take a pay cut to move to Celtic. The prospect of winning titles and playing in European competitions should definitely be attractive to him. Celtic should consider getting him on a free transfer in the summer.
