Former Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe has ended his brief stint in English non-league football after just 17 days, signing a two-year contract with Bulgarian First League side Lokomotiv Sofia. The 29-year-old had joined eighth-tier Sittingbourne FC earlier this month but has now moved to a club fighting relegation in Bulgaria.
Ibe, who cost Bournemouth £15 million in 2016, has struggled for form and fitness in recent years. He has played only 11 minutes of professional football since his contract with Bournemouth expired in 2020, featuring briefly for Derby County and Ebbsfleet United. Lokomotiv Sofia, his 11th club, currently sit 11th in the league, just three points above the relegation zone.
The winger was once tipped for stardom at Liverpool, making his debut as a teenager under Brendan Rodgers and later impressing Jurgen Klopp. In 2015, he scored his first Liverpool goal in a Europa League win over Rubin Kazan, with Klopp praising him as a 'big talent'. However, Ibe has openly spoken about battling depression for four years, which affected his career.
A club statement expressed belief that Ibe can revive his career at Lokomotiv, wishing him 'health, happiness and success'. The move marks a stark contrast from his Anfield days, with Lokomotiv averaging fewer than 1,000 fans per game.
