According to Football Insider, Celtic are keeping tabs on Bournemouth’s Jordon Ibe ahead of a potential summer swoop.
However, there is a sticking point that should be putting the Bhoys off bringing him to Celtic Park.
What’s the word?
A Celtic source has informed FI that the Hoops are continuing to keep tabs on Ibe’s situation with the winger’s contract expiring at the end of the season.
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Neil Lennon’s side have now been given a boost in their pursuit of the 24-year-old after the outlet claimed Ibe had made up his mind to leave the Cherries in the summer.
As a result, Celtic could sign the Premier League attacker on a free transfer with Lennon noted as a keen admirer. The SPFL leaders were also interested in Ibe last year.
A sceptical move
It’s hard to believe Ibe is only 24 but he has been on the scene for a considerable period of time.
He burst into the headlines aged 15 when he played for Wycombe, becoming their youngest ever player to appear in the Football League. He then went onto score while still the same age later in that season.
A move to Liverpool was the reward for his eye-catching performances in Buckinghamshire as he subsequently earned comparisons with Raheem Sterling, a man now rated at £144m according to Transfermarkt.
In a piece by journalist Andy Hunter, he wrote in 2015: “Ibe was born exactly one year after Sterling and while their speed, ability to beat a man, position and club invite comparisons, their development rate has differed.”
He then added: “Flexibility is another trait Ibe has in common with Sterling and is likely to ensure first-team opportunities continue to come under Rodgers.”
Unfortunately, the duo now differ quite considerably in quality. While Sterling is playing for Champions League contenders Manchester City, Ibe has played just four times all season for Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth.
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Despite his obvious qualities, particularly when it comes to dribbling – something Hunter mentions – a lack of regular match action and Ibe’s colossal wages should have the hierarchy thinking long and hard about whether this move is the right one.
Per Football Insider, the winger is on £40k a week and considering his output in recent years, it wouldn’t be a hugely convincing deal.
Ibe has registered only five goals in 92 appearances for Bournemouth. Meanwhile, he’s not been in the matchday squad in the league on 20 occasions this term. That being said, the Scottish Premiership is below the Premier League when it comes to defensive quality and he’d arrive on a free transfer. There are clear pros and cons.
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