Former Liverpool starlet joins SEVENTH-TIER side less than a decade after he completed a then club-record £15m transfer to Bournemouth
Former Liverpool youngster Jordon Ibe has completed a move to seventh-tier Hungerford Town, less than a decade after leaving the Reds.
The 29-year-old winger moved to Anfield from Wycombe Wanders in 2011 and was touted as a star of the future. He went on to make 58 appearances and scored four goals before leaving for Bournemouth in 2016 for a then club-record £15million fee.
Unfortunately, with the Cherries, Ibe did not fare much better and, hampered by mental health issues, he quickly fell down the English football ladder.
Last season, he was released by National League side Ebbsfleet United before a short spell with Hayes and Yeading, where he scored once in 10 appearances.
Hungerford Town, who play in the Southern Football League, which together with the Isthmian League and the Northern Premier League form levels seven and eight of the football league system, have given Ibe another chance to show his qualities.
And the former England Under 21 international has insisted that it is time to ‘buckle down’ and perform.
Jordon Ibe made 58 appearances for Liverpool after signing as a 16-year-old from Wycombe Wanderers
The winger was signed by Bournemouth in 2016 for a then club-record £15million transfer fee
Ibe has also had spells with Wayne Rooney’s Derby County as well as Birmingham City, Turkish side Adanaspor and non-league Ebbsfleet
‘It is an honour to Hungerford Town for taking me in and believing in my dream,’ he said. ‘It is time to buckle down and show the ability that I still have. With hard work, it can take you anywhere.’
In addition to his stints in the top flight, Ibe had loan spells with Birmingham City ad Derby Country before moving to Pride Park permanently in 2020. The forward also spent a short time in Turkey with Adanaspor.
He joins a Hungerford side find themselves in 15th of 22 in a tight division – 13 points off the play-offs but only two away from the relegation places.
Manager Danny Robinson said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to welcome Jordon to Bulpit Lane. Jordon comes to us with a massive pedigree and wealth of experience.
‘By his own admission he wants to get back going again and we will be doing everything we can to get him smiling and enjoy his football. A serious talent that we are all looking forward to seeing in a Hungerford shirt. Welcome Jordon!’
Ibe could make his debut for his new club on Saturday when the Crusaders welcome Havant and Waterlooville to Berkshire.
