Liverpool Transfer News: Jordon Ibe Fee Agreement with Bournemouth, Top Rumours

Jon Super/Associated Press

Liverpool have reportedly settled on a £15 million fee for winger Jordon Ibe and have allowed him to hold talks with Bournemouth.

James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo relayed the news on Thursday:

Jordon Ibe has been given permission to hold talks with Bournemouth. A fee of £15million has been agreed between the clubs. #LFC

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 7, 2016

The 20-year-old made 41 appearances for the Reds last term, but started just 20 of those.

The winger finished the campaign with just four goals and as many assists in all competitions, showing his lack of end product.

His tracking back also leaves much to be desired—according to Squawka, he made just nine tackles and one interception in the Premier League last year—which is even more inexcusable if the player isn't producing the goods in the final third.

Despite his underwhelming season, Pearce and sports journalist Adam Fielder believes the Reds would be wise to keep him:

Not sure about #LFC letting Jordon Ibe go. Regressed last season but still only 20. Thought he was worth persevering with for another year.

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 7, 2016

Surprised #LFC are letting Ibe go. Admittedly he was poor last season but still very young and think this could be a rash decision.

— Adam Fielder (@fielder9) July 7, 2016

Meanwhile, Bleacher Report UK's Jack Lusby understandably marvelled at the size of the reported fee, and suggests Liverpool would benefit from a buy-back clause in his contract:

£15 million for Jordon Ibe after the season he had is incredible. Hopefully another situation where #LFC push for a buy-back clause though.


— Jack Lusby (@jacklusby_) July 7, 2016

Indeed, should he resume his development at the Vitality Stadium and reach his potential, such a clause will be very useful—without it, re-signing him would be extremely difficult and more expensive.

Ibe faces a tough task attempting to replace Matt Ritchie following his move to Newcastle United and Bournemouth are evidently prepared to put a lot of faith in him doing so given the amount of money they're willing to invest.

There will still be less pressure on him to perform at Bournemouth than at Anfield, however, and he'll be required to show more of a work ethic under Eddie Howe as they bid to survive the Premier League drop once again.

If he's prepared to put in the effort, he could flourish on the south coast.


Uncredited/Associated Press

Meanwhile, according to German outlet Bild (h/t Goal.com's Joe Wright), Borussia Dortmund are set to discuss reported Liverpool target Jakub Blaszczykowski's future. Sporting director Michael Zorc said: "Kuba is a BVB player. We'll talk in the next few days about his future."

The Pole spent last season on loan with Fiorentina and so may be available this summer if there's still no place for him at the Westfalenstadion.

Blaszczykowski was one of Poland's best players at UEFA Euro 2016, netting twice and putting in an impressive defensive shift, per OptaPaolo:

Jordon Ibe: Has completed a successful dribble more often (every 15.1 mins) than any other player with 5+ PL apps in 2016 #LFC

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) April 17, 2016

The 30-year-old has thrived for Klopp in the past and could be a shrewd acquisition for the German.

He's more productive than Ibe in the final third and works harder, so he would be a better candidate to fill the vacancy on Liverpool's right flank.