Liverpool finished 8th in the Premier League last season and a defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League final means that there will be no European football for the Reds next season. So some definite changes in the squad were needed. A few new signings that would help Liverpool finish in the top-4 were necessary. Also, the number of matches that Liverpool will play next season will be less than the number of games played last season. So a deep squad is not required next season and a few departures are also imminent. One of them is Jordon Ibe. But should Liverpool sell Ibe?
Jordon Ibe had joined Liverpool as a 16-year-old from Wycombe. Brendan Rodgers gave him his debut in the last match of the 2012-13 season. After that, he was sent out on loan to Birmingham City and Derby County. He was recalled at the end of the 2013-14 season after some impressive displays while out on loan. Ibe was excellent in the 2nd half of the 2014/15 season which earned him a new five-year contract last summer. But last season was not good for Ibe. In spite of the winger making 41 appearances, he could hardly impress. He was inconsistent and he saw a dip in form as the season progressed. Klopp had made it clear that he was going to make some big changes this summer and Ibe’s future at Liverpool is uncertain.
The signing of Sadio Mane means Liverpool now have a very good winger in their squad. He will surely be the first choice right winger. Also, Lazar Markovic has returned from his loan spell and is in good form. In the pecking order, Ibe will come after Mane and Markovic. Also, there is a stiff competition for a place in the 3-man attacking midfield and Ibe might lose out easily. Ibe showed glimpses of what he is capable of and the bags of talent that he possesses. But, for him to become a top level Premier League player, Ibe needs proper game time under his belt. At Liverpool, he will not get the game time next season. Also, Liverpool do not need a deep squad so selling him is a good option. If Liverpool get a good deal for the 20-year-old winger, they should sell him. This will be good for Ibe as well as Liverpool.
Liverpool have received an offer worth 15 million pounds from AFC Bournemouth for Ibe. That’s a good deal for someone like Ibe and Liverpool should sell him.