OPINION
Newcastle United succeeding in their reported pursuit of Bournemouth attacker Jordan Ibe cannot be ruled out just yet after Sun journalist Alan Nixon provided an update on the player’s future.
The Sun previously reported that the Magpies were looking at the 23-year-old winger as he could be available before the transfer window slams shut.
However, Nixon then took to his personal Twitter account to claim that the injury to Cherries playmaker David Brooks could end up stopping Ibe exiting the club.
Minor bit on Ibe. Newcastle were looking. Brooks injury may have disrupted that one. https://t.co/6m270HoFcl
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) August 4, 2019
Yet it seems that in another twist to the tale, Nixon posted an update on his Twitter regarding Bournemouth’s pursuit of Liverpool’s Harry Wilson to suggest that if a deal goes through then it could open the door for Ibe to exit.
Bournemouth paying a chunky old loan fee for Harry Wilson to Liverpool. Tidy move to South Liverpool Cherries. Opens door for Ibe exit surely.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) August 6, 2019
Seeing as the reliable Evening Standard claimed that talks were going at a rapid speed between Liverpool and Bournemouth over Wilson that a deal could be done by the end of Tuesday, then Newcastle being successful in their pursuit of Ibe cannot be ruled out just yet.
This is actually disappointing news as it’s hard to have any faith that the Bournemouth attacker would be an improvement on Steve Bruce’s current options.
The 23-year-old was on the winning side only three times across his 19 league outings last season, and only contributed one goal and one assist. (Source: Premier League)
Only 37% of his crosses found their mark, he played only 2 through balls, and he only managed to have three shots on target.
While Ibe’s tackle success rate of 83% is impressive, when you consider he only made six tackles then it becomes clear why it is so high.
So with Wilson looking Bournemouth-bound and that potentially meaning the Magpies are free to swoop for Ibe, then it’s recommended that many Newcastle fans cross their fingers and hope Wilson’s move doesn’t see the Cherries encourage Steve Bruce’s side to make a move.
