Liverpool are set to give teenager Kaide Gordon his competitive debut tonight as they take on Norwich City in the Carabao Cup.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Gordon is earmarked for minutes against the Canaries.
Jurgen Klopp is expected to rotate his side tonight with so many games on the horizon.
Premier League and Champions League games will start to come thick and fast. Taking key players out and resting them is a smart idea.
That presents opportunities for players like Gordon, who is no doubt desperate for a first-team chance.
Gordon making early strides at Liverpool
Gordon joined Liverpool from Derby County in February. He had already been tabbed as a star of the future, and Liverpool have already seen why.
The 16-year-old hit six goals and three assists in just eight Under-18 games. At Under-23 level, Gordon has three goals and one assist in just four outings.
A right-sided winger, Gordon even showed his potential with Liverpool’s first team during pre-season.
Liverpool coaches are understood to have been impressed with Gordon, leading to tonight’s opportunity for a competitive senior debut.
FSG could face additional cost
When Liverpool signed Gordon earlier this year, they paid a relatively small fee up front.
Much of the deal was in add-ons, which would be paid to Derby if Gordon ended up becoming a first-teamer at Liverpool.
One of the clauses means Derby will be owed £100,000 if Gordon starts for Liverpool.
That could come tonight, but let’s be honest – it’s going to be paid at some point soon even if it isn’t tonight.
Some think owners FSG are… a less-than-complimentary version of ‘frugal’, but they would surely see this payment as a good thing.
Having a 16-year-old featuring in the first team would indicate that Liverpool have a star of the future.
More payments would come in the future, but £100k for one start should be viewed as a success.
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