Neil Lennon was at Wycombe Wanderers whilst Celtic transfer target was starring in their academy

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Celtic are reportedly closing in on the signature of Bournemouth attacker Jordon Ibe.  As reported by the Daily Express, Celtic are closing in on a deal to sign the player this month. Whilst they will not meet the Cherries’ £20 million valuation for the winger there is hope a loan deal could be agreed. 

Former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers would have certainly approved of this deal were he still at Parkhead. He gave Ibe his full debut at Liverpool and was a big fan of the talented player. 

But whilst Rodgers and Ibe’s careers are well documented to have crossed paths, it is interesting to note that Lennon and Ibe have also been associated with the same club.

Now it would be unfair to say they were team-mates during Lennon’s stint at Wycombe Wanderers in 2008. Ibe was just 13-years-old when Lennon arrived at Adams Park under the management of his former team-mate Paul Lambert. 

Lennon left to join Celtic’s coaching staff in the summer of 2008, whilst Ibe was still in the academy at the Buckinghamshire club. 

At the age of 15, Ibe made his league debut for Wycombe becoming one of the youngest-ever players to feature in the Football League. 

Whilst there is ever chance that Ibe and Lennon never crossed paths during their time together at Wycombe, it is surely likely that Lennon has reached out to those who knew Ibe from his time at the club before making this swoop. 

Hopefully, Celtic can tie up a deal for an exciting talent who has slightly lost his way.