Former Liverpool and England Under-21 winger Jordon Ibe has resumed his playing career after a lengthy hiatus to join National League side Ebbsfleet United.
The 27-year-old had been without a team since leaving Turkish outfit Adanaspor in the summer of 2022, having failed to make an appearance in a six-month spell with the club.
Prior to his switch to Turkey, Ibe opened up on his struggles with depression and was also working his way back from a devastating leg break, which he sustained after leaving Derby County in 2021.
Having built up his fitness as a free agent, Ibe has dropped down to the fifth tier to represent Ebbsfleet and was on the bench for Saturday's 2-2 FA Cup qualifying draw against Slough Town.
"I just want to get back out there, show people what I can do again and play football. 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," Ibe told the official Ebbsfleet website.
🚨🔴⚪ NEW SIGNING! 🚨🔴⚪
— Ebbsfleet United FC (@EUFCofficial) October 14, 2023
The Fleet welcome former Liverpool, Bournemouth and Derby County player Jordon Ibe to the Kuflink Stadium.
Read the details behind this latest arrival right here... ⤵️https://t.co/4DUvlbavGW pic.twitter.com/smevOXjjmj
"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."
A former Charlton Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers academy prospect, Ibe spent five years at Liverpool between 2011 and 2016, registering four goals and seven assists in 58 matches for the Reds.
The Englishman departed Liverpool in a £15.6m switch to Bournemouth in 2016, amassing five goals and nine assists in 92 games before departing following their relegation in the 2019-20 season.
Ibe also turned out for England from Under-18 to Under-21 level, playing four games for the latter side under Gareth Southgate, but he has not earned a senior Three Lions cap.
© Reuters
Ebbsfleet boss Dennis Kutrieb added: "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."
Ibe will be expected to make the squad for Tuesday's FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay with Slough, prior to which Ebbsfleet will be involved in Sunday's first-round draw to determine their potential future opponents in the competition.
Ben Knapton
