Celtic have been linked with Bournemouth’s winger Jordon Ibe in the past few weeks. However, the last update from Daily Record (Live Transfer Blog, 19/8; 21:12) citing Celtic sources suggested that such rumours are wide off the mark. But now we might have another twist in the tale as the latest reports from the Scottish Sun reveals that the deal could well be back on.
Bournemouth are going to take a call on winger’s future in the next few days. Neil Lennon is said to be wanting to land the former Liverpool winger on a season-long loan. Talks are set to take place this week, and it remains to be seen whether the Cherries will allow Ibe to leave on loan.
Eddie Howe might be slightly worried about his injury situation as wide players like Danjuma, David Brooks and Junior Stanislas are reeling with injuries. Therefore that could be a roadblock for Lennon. However, once they all become fit, Ibe is likely to fall behind in the pecking order. The winger started just nine games in the Premier League last season. He came off the bench against Manchester City last weekend.
Why Celtic need a winger?
Scott Sinclair has quite clearly fallen behind the pecking order ever since Lennon took over the reins at the club this February. There are even talks that he might be sold in this transfer window. Lewis Morgan has looked average at best, and Marian Shved might need some time to settle in at the club as he is still quite young.
Therefore Michael Johnston and James Forrest seem to be the only standout wide players in the squad and Lennon might want to add one more option to his disposal. Ibe is traditionally a right-winger, but he can easily slot in to play on the left flank as well.
Good signing for Lennon?
The English winger will add pace and directness to Celtic’s game, and he can take the Premiership by storm. Ibe has lost his way in the past few seasons, but when he was at Liverpool, he was considered as the successor to Raheem Sterling who had gone on to join Manchester City.
Some top clubs like Napoli, Fiorentina, Galatasaray and Espanyol were also linked with him this summer, so that is a testament to his talents. Ibe needs to improve on his final product to take his game to the next level, but he has the raw ingredients to thrive in Scotland.
