Former Liverpool forward Jordon Ibe is training with National League side ahead of new season

Jordon Ibe is training with National League side Chesterfield ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

It has been a tough few years for the 27-year-old forward, who has been without a club since since leaving Turkish second division side Adanaspor last year.

After signing for Liverpool in 2012, the former England U21 international made an impression under Brendan Rodgers, who said Ibe could progress into a "top-class performer".

He went on to make 58 appearances for the Reds before being sold to Bournemouth in 2016 after loan spells at Birmingham and Derby; a club he would later join on a permanent basis.

But Ibe has struggled to hit the ground running since leaving Liverpool, although a potential move to the National League could help him rediscover some form.

After several months out of the game, Ibe was spotted on the training ground during Chesterfield's pre-season training camp in Portugal alongside new signing Will Grigg.

Here's how social media reacted to his appearance ahead of the upcoming 2023/24 campaign.

One fan said: "Arm around him and some good man management hes an unreal signing for @ChesterfieldFC. Some quality business going on there. All the best for the upcoming season," while another commented: "Unreal at that level surely."

A third wrote: "He was unreal when on loan at Derby, think he was struggling with mental health the last few years and it has halted his career. I hope he manages to get a full season in, thought he’d end up playing in the Prem. Hope he does well."

A fourth said: "So desperately wanted it to work out for Jordon when he returned to Derby. He’s a player I genuinely feel for, really hope he finds his feet again and Chesterfield could be a great opportunity for him to flourish. He has such talent."

A fifth added: "Good luck to the lad. Felt for him a little here, I know he had his mental health issues."

Image credit: PA

As mentioned above, Ibe has spoken publicly about his mental health issues in the past.

Speaking to SPORTbible in 2021, he said: "I'm not trying to make people feel sorry for me. I feel like it was very important that I spoke openly - and to my family - about it because you don't know what can come from mental health. I've been going through depression for the last four years."

He added: "The criticism is tough. It got to a stage where I saw a lot of people talking [on social media] and I think what hurt me most was when I was hearing negative comments here and there. I'm my own worst critic. I'm very critical of myself. I'm always looking to do better.

"I tried not to go on Twitter or Instagram as much but I still saw a lot of people giving their two cents on how my career was going. For me, that post [back in January] was also to let everyone know that I wasn't just chilling and relaxing at home while not playing football.

"I wanted to let people know about my mental health so they knew I wasn't trying to take the mick."

Topics: Bournemouth, Derby, Liverpool, Transfers

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_