Image Credits: Imago Images
With the World Cup in full swing, Liverpool have been linked with several standout performers across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Talk of moves for Yan Diomande and Ayyoub Bouaddi has been joined by renewed rumours of a possible return for Darwin Nunez, making for a busy start to the transfer window.
Meanwhile, new boss Andoni Iraola has already begun reshaping the squad with the signing of Spanish international Victor Munoz, with further arrivals expected.
Elsewhere, former Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe is set to leave Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Sofia just seven months after his surprise switch.
The 30-year-old, who has represented eight clubs in the past decade since leaving Liverpool for Bournemouth in 2016, had his contract terminated by mutual consent after a short spell in Bulgaria.
A club statement read: “Lokomotiv (Sofia) parted ways with Jordan Ibe and Ivan Lagundzic! Jordan Ibe and Ivan Lagundzic’s contracts have been terminated by mutual consent.
“They both joined the club in the winter but failed to establish themselves and parted ways. The management of Lokomotiv wishes them good health, happiness and success in the future!”
Jordon Ibe’s spell in Bulgaria followed an unsuccessful move to Swedish side Umea FC last summer and appearances in the Baller League.
He made nine appearances for Lokomotiv, registering one assist in all competitions. The former Liverpool winger is among several ex-Reds players heading into the summer as free agents, including Gini Wijnaldum, Alberto Moreno, Raheem Sterling and Lazar Markovic.
Ibe made 58 appearances for Liverpool after breaking through as a 17-year-old, but struggled to cement a regular place at Anfield following his move from Wycombe Wanderers.
His pace, strength and dribbling made him a standout at youth level, with FA Youth Cup displays under Brendan Rodgers earning him a senior debut on the final day of the 2012–13 season, where he assisted Philippe Coutinho’s winner in a 1–0 victory.
Limited European opportunities the following year saw him spend time on loan at Birmingham City and Derby County, where he impressed with 24 appearances and five goals, earning a recall to Liverpool in January.
He produced a standout display at Goodison Park and went on to score key goals under Jurgen Klopp, including in the Europa League at Rubin Kazan and the League Cup semi-final against Stoke City.
However, competition for places intensified following Klopp’s squad rebuild in 2016, and Ibe eventually joined Bournemouth on a permanent deal.