Ebbsfleet United are pleased to announce publicly the signing of Jordon Ibe who is named in the squad this afternoon ahead of kick-off against Slough Town in the Emirates FA Cup.
The 27-year-old attacker has an outstanding football pedigree having made 119 Premier League, eight Europa League and 32 Championship appearances.
A former England youth international, Jordon was with Wycombe Wanderers as a teenager, becoming the youngest Football League player at the age of 15 in 2011. After signing for Liverpool the following year, he made his Premier League debut in the final match of the 2012/13 season at the age of 18.
During his four years at Anfield, he spent time on loan with Birmingham City and Derby County, enjoying a successful season-long spell at Pride Park. Liverpool recalled him and he went on to score in the Europa League and Premier League for the Reds.
In July 2016 he moved to Bournemouth and made 92 appearances before returning to Derby in 2020. He later signed for Turkish side Adanaspor before returning home to London. During this time, Jordon suffered a broken leg and also spoke publicly about depression having suffered from the condition through various stages of his career.
“I just want to get back out there, show people what I can do again and play football,” Jordon told EUFC.co.uk. “I’ve worked hard to be in a position where I am able to focus on football and believe in myself and my ability to contribute on the pitch. Being back out there is where I love to be and where I’m most happy but I needed to be healthy and prepared to give myself that chance. The way Ebbsfleet have helped me and put a process in place so I can be ready has been really supportive. I came in and have had to back myself and prove I’m here to succeed to earn my chance. The gaffer and staff have built up my fitness to the point where I’m ready to go with a ball and I’m really pleased to be able to concentrate on my game while at the same time being really supported.”
Known for his direct pace, power, creativity and versatility – Jordon has worked hard for his opportunity and is on the bench for today’s game against Slough Town. He will wear squad number 33 to maintain the tradition of sporting that number at every club he has played at.
Fleet boss Dennis Kutrieb said of his latest addition: “This is a signing that will generate a lot of discussion outside our club but for us and for Jordon it is only about Ebbsfleet United and getting him back on the pitch to show us what we know he can do. Starting or bringing Jordon into the squad is not something we have rushed into because we have had him here with us for a while, getting to know us and his new teammates and waiting until he is ready to play again.
“I’m delighted we have reached that point and I am looking forward to seeing what he will do in front of our supporters in the coming season. Like many of us in our club and the world generally, Jordon has had his personal battles and setbacks, but he has made brave decisions to talk about those issues, made a genuine effort to seek assistance and applied tools daily to improve his overall health. He is committed to the club and the playing group here for allowing him time and a platform to enjoy playing football again.”
