Celtic had been linked (The Scottish Sun) with Jordon Ibe in the past few weeks. The Bournemouth winger has barely featured for the Cherries this season, with his last appearance coming in September. Reports had emerged that Ibe’s contract would not be extended and he would be allowed to leave on a free transfer in the summer, allowing Celtic an excellent opportunity to sign the winger.
Long Way Back For Ibe According to Howe
Eddie Howe has now responded to those reports and has said that he hasn’t shut the door for Ibe’s comeback, but he believes that Ibe needs to do a lot more to have any kind of impact for Bournemouth. Howe recently said (Glasgow Evening Times), ”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 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.”
Should Celtic consider him?
The winger was bought for £15m by Bournemouth, but he has failed to live up to the expectations after arriving from Liverpool. Many saw him as a replacement for Raheem Sterling when he broke onto the scene with the Merseyside club, but he isn’t even getting in the matchday squad for Bournemouth nowadays.
Hence, question marks would be raised about whether Ibe would be able to turn around his career if he arrives at Parkhead. The pressure of winning every game and the physicality of the Premiership could end up being too much for him.
However, we think that on a free transfer, Ibe could be worth considering. The Hoops parted ways with Scott Sinclair and Lewis Morgan in January. Mohamed Elyounoussi is only on a season-long loan at Parkhead, and his signing would cost millions in the summer. Michael Johnston is currently out with a long term injury. Therefore we expect Lennon to go after a winger in the summer and Ibe could be a shrewd acquisition.
Ibe is still 24, so there is a good amount of football left in him. However, he needs to get his head down and work hard to fulfil his talent. Howe has already claimed that it will be a long way back for him at Bournemouth and we think that the Englishman is unlikely to be offered a new contract. Only time will tell whether he will be able to rediscover himself at Parkhead or not.
