Liverpool are closing in on the capture of Derby County’s wunderkind Kaide Gordon, who was also courted by Manchester United.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have made huge strides in their pursuit of Kaide Gordon. The Derby County youngster has been turning the heads with his performances in the youth competitions, and an upgrade to the Premier League could be on the horizon, with Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly interested in his services.
The Reds appeared to have taken the lead in the chase to sign Gordon, having already agreed on a deal with Derby County regarding the potential switch. However, it could take at least another week before the deal can be completed, with the Premier League still yet to approve the youngster’s switch of the academy.
Gordon made his mark in front of the Liverpool scouts back in December, when his performance on the flanks stood out, even though Derby County U-18 side lost the game 3-1. It was enough to convince the defending champions to pursue the 16-year-old, who is ineligible for a professional contract until he turns 17 later this year.
A right-winger by trade, Gordon is superb in possession. He likes to keep the ball at his feet and take on opposing defenders. His ability to play anywhere in the final third, just in behind the number nine, is also reflective of the versatility that makes him such a sought-after talent in England.
In an evolving footballing scene that has witnessed teenagers making their mark at the highest level, Gordon could indeed be England’s answer to Germany’s Youssoufa Moukoko or France’s Rayan Cherki. From Liverpool’s perspective, the 16-year-old could be competing against another hyped talent in Harvey Elliott, who is currently playing for Blackburn on loan.
Gordon should be eligible to feature for the Liverpool first-team by the time Elliott’s loan spell in the Championship comes to an end, although it remains to be seen how the Derby County youngster fares in the Reds’ youth setup.
The Merseyside have been linked with a host of wingers, of late, amid the inconsistencies and perhaps a little tainted future of Mohamed Salah. Having a young crop of players like Gordon and Elliott certainly bodes well for the club in the long-run – making them better prepared for a potential transition phase.
