Ibe’s move to Sittingbourne adds another intriguing stop in a career that began with huge promise. After bursting onto the scene as a 15-year-old with Wycombe Wanderers, he joined Liverpool’s academy in 2011 and was tipped as one of England’s brightest attacking prospects. During his time at Anfield, the winger made 58 appearances, registering four goals and seven assists while earning a reputation for his pace and directness.
His potential led Bournemouth to spend £15 million on him in 2016 — a major fee for a player still developing — but his four-year spell with the Cherries proved inconsistent. Despite flashes of brilliance, he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter and was released in 2020 after 92 appearances in all competitions. Moves to Derby County and Turkey’s Adanaspor followed before he gradually stepped into English non-league football, featuring for Ebbsfleet United, Hayes & Yeading, and most recently, Hungerford Town.
The former England U21 international has also been open about his battles with mental health, having spoken in the past about depression and his determination to find stability both on and off the pitch. Sittingbourne’s supportive environment may be exactly what he needs to rebuild his confidence and passion for the game.