'I left Liverpool for $20million nine years ago

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.

Sign up to receive the best LFC opinion direct to your inbox

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Sign up to receive the best LFC opinion direct to your inbox

Looking at the team that played in Jurgen Klopp’s first game as Liverpool manager is usually a good indication of just how far the Reds have come in the last 10 years or so.

That goalless draw against Tottenham in October 2015 featured a number of names that would soon be heading out of the exit door. The likes of Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno and Mamadou Sakho didn’t last long under Klopp as the German took the club to a new level.

And neither did Liverpool’s two substitutes that day, although one of them did end up earning the Reds a decent fee.

Jordon Ibe was a late introduction that day at White Hart Lane, coming on for Philippe Coutinho. Back then, the winger was seen as something of a promising youngster - things have not worked out how he would have planned since though.

Less than a year later, Ibe departed Liverpool in a $19m (£15m) transfer to Bournemouth, where he would spend four years and make 92 appearances. A move to Derby County followed in 2020, but he would make just one appearance for the club before having his contract cancelled by mutual consent, having spoken out about suffering from depression.

In January 2022, Ibe made the move to Turkey, joining Adanaspor on a three-and-a-half year contract, although he would leave the second tier club after just a few months without making an appearance.

(Image: Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Following a year out of football, Ibe has since been plying his trade in England’s non-league structure, taking in spells with Ebbsfleet United and Hayes & Yeading United. Now he has a new club, having signed for seventh tier side Hungerford Town.

The Southern League Premier Division South side confirmed Ibe’s arrival on Tuesday, with the former Liverpool star - now 29 - aiming to get back playing regularly again.

"It is an honour to Hungerford Town for taking me in and believing in my dream,” Ibe told the club’s website.

"It is time to buckle down and show the ability that I still have. With hard work, it can take you anywhere."

Liverpool.com says: Best of luck to Ibe at Hungerford, and hopefully he can enjoy his football after what has been a tough few years for him. His story shows just how difficult it can be for players, even if they have played for the biggest clubs and made big money moves.

Click here to read article