Official: Liverpool alum Jordon Ibe joins Swedish club subject to work permit

Swedish Superettan outfit Umeå FC have confirmed that personal terms have been agreed with former Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe, as the 29-year-old edges closer to a return to professional football.

In an official statement published on the club’s website, Umeå announced that Ibe’s trial — which began nearly three weeks ago — was successful. 

The club is now awaiting a decision from the Swedish Migration Board on his work permit application, which was submitted on July 16. 

Until a decision is reached, the English-Nigerian player will continue to train with the second-tier side.

Once hailed as one of the brightest young prospects in English football, Ibe made his Premier League debut for Liverpool at just 17. 

He went on to feature in 119 Premier League matches, contributing four goals and ten assists across spells with Liverpool and Bournemouth.

His early promise also saw him earn loan stints at Derby County and Birmingham City, before playing for a range of clubs including Adanaspor in Turkey, and non-league outfits Ebbsfleet United, Hayes & Yeading United and Hungerford Town.

Internationally, Ibe was approached by then-Nigeria manager Sunday Oliseh in 2015 regarding a potential switch to represent the Super Eagles. 

However, the winger turned down the opportunity, expressing his desire to pursue a senior England call-up. 

He previously represented the Young Lions at U18, U19, U20 and U21 levels.

Should the move to Umeå FC go through, it would mark a fresh chapter in the career of a player once tipped for stardom on Merseyside.
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: liverpoolfc.com 

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