Many Liverpool fans were disappointed this summer when we sold Jordon Ibe for £15m, despite the fact there’s a significant sell-on clause attached, as well as a buy-back option should he really flourish at Bournemouth.
But Jurgen Klopp’s definitely been proved right so far, as the young Englishman has failed to live up to his talent or price-tag.
He’s not a starter for the Cherries, despite being their record signing, and has yet to register a goal or an assist for his new club, performing poorly in the FA Cup defeat to Millwall this weekend.
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As a result, his manager Eddie Howe pulled no punches…
“Ibe hasn’t been a regular in the team and that will be a disappointment for him and for us,” the talented young manager told the Guardian. “I still feel there’s a lot of potential in there, but obviously he’s got to fulfil that when he gets chances like today.
“We picked players that we haven’t seen regularly in the Premier League, we gave them an opportunity to express themselves. Individually they are very good players so I was excited to see it. Obviously the reality proved different.”
Howe backs his players usually, so it’s clear that so far he’s not very impressed with Ibe.
The winger was rated by many as more exciting than Raheem Sterling, but while one former Red is a starter under Pep Guardiola, the other is digressing.
Ibe’s talent shouldn’t be questioned, but his ability to apply it probably should. Hopefully, he’ll find his feet, as it’ll be in Liverpool’s best interests for him to perform due to the fact Bournemouth aren’t a direct rival and the sell-on clause inserted into his deal could see us earn a large future profit.