Jamie Redknapp slams £49million star Sterling, claims this Anfield academy graduate is better

By Alex Taylor

Liverpool legend Jamie Redknapp believes that Jordan Ibe has more ability than Raheem Sterling.

The 20-year-old ace left Anfield on Thursday in a £15million move to Bournemouth a year after fellow academy graduate Raheem Sterling’s £49million transfer to Manchester City.

Ibe found regular first team opportunities hard to come by at Liverpool last season and has now moved away from the club in search of first team football.

Former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp believes Bournemouth have landed a gem in 20-year-old Ibe.

"I think he has more natural ability than Raheem Sterling," Redknapp told the Bournemouth Echo. "Anything Raheem Sterling struggles with, Jordon Ibe can do. I would hate to play against him with his pace and power."

Ibe broke into the Liverpool first-team two years ago under Brendan Rodgers and caught the eye with some impressive displays on the flanks but his progress stalled under Klopp in 2015-16.

The youngster played 58 times for the Reds scoring four goals and providing seven assists before his move away from the club.

There were mixed responses to the bumper fee for the youngster - with some fans feeling £15million is a great deal for Liverpool, while others are hoping the youngster doesn't turn into a great international star that got away.

Football Insider initially reported some weeks ago that Bournemouth had tabled an offer for Ibe, before following that up with the revelation that Klopp had unexpectedly accepted the deal.

In other Liverpool news, Reds goalkeeper Adam Bogdan is in advanced talks to join Wigan.