Jordan Ibe isn’t the answer on the wing for Newcastle United

Newcastle United shouldn’t expect a lot from the former Liverpool prodigy if he signs with the club.

Last season, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron were the primary starters on the wings. But, as we know, Almiron is better suited as a number ten and he slid into that position down the stretch. Now, the Magpies are looking for a starter on the right wing to play opposite ASM. Their latest target for that role leaves a lot to be desired.

Jordan Ibe is reportedly on the radar for Newcastle as they look to boost their attacking group. You may remember him as a promising player for Liverpool back in the early 2010s. But, you probably don’t recall his extremely limited contributions for Bournemouth since leaving Merseyside for a reported £15 million in 2016.

His first season with the Cherries saw him register zero goals and zero assists in 26 total appearances. 2017/18 would be his best year with the club, scoring two goals and adding eight assists in all competitions. A three-goal season followed that decent campaign. His disappointing tenure with the club came to an end after a 2019/20 season of four total appearances and zero goals and assists.

While we talked about Jeff Hendrick’s value not being tied to his status as a free agent, Ibe’s situation is entirely different. Hendrick has been productive in recent years and has a solid track record. He was also pursued by AC Milan. For Ibe, his production at Bournemouth was non-existent and the club didn’t work to sign him to a new deal in the Championship following their relegation.

A free transfer obviously doesn’t carry a lot of risk, but there shouldn’t be any expectation that he can be a first-choice option on the right wing or will revitalize his once-promising career with the Magpies. If they sign the 24-year-old and he starts to produce, that’s a pleasant surprise, but he can’t be looked at as a savior of any kind to the disappointing NUFC attack.