Liverpool have completed the signing of promising Derby County teenager Kaide Gordon.
The 16-year old made his first-team debut in December, as he was sprung from the bench by Wayne Rooney a minute from the end of their 4-0 win away to Birmingham City.
He was an unused substitute in the Rams' next three games with Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham and Bournemouth.
Gordon is a product of Derby's academy, and had also attracted interest from Tottenham and Manchester United.
His signing continues a habit of Liverpool hoovering up some of the lower leagues' most gifted youngsters. A 16-year old Raheem Sterling was signed from QPR in 2010. Now on-loan at Blackburn, Harvey Elliott joined the Reds in 2019 having become Fulham's youngest ever senior player.
Gordon departs after an 'undisclosed compensation agreement' was reached with the Premier League champions. Prior speculation claimed Derby had turned down a £1million (€1.14m) bid for the attacking midfielder.
Just want to say a massive thank you to everyone @dcfcofficial and @dcfcacademy who has helped me on my journey so far. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for all the coaching and medical staff there. Good luck to the club in the future 🖤🤍🐏 pic.twitter.com/MPuxIPc2BC
— kaidegordon (@kaidegordon10) February 5, 2021
Speaking about the Liverpool speculation last month, Rooney said, "Kaide is a fantastic player. I brought him into the first team squad because he was showing the qualities I want. We offered him a deal which he didn't take.
“As always when a player doesn't sign up, if any of the big clubs in the Premier League come in, it is very difficult to deny the player that opportunity.
“There has been an offer for Kaide since before I have been in this role. He hasn't signed it for whatever reasons. Liverpool have become aware of that and stepped in.
"Once a team like Liverpool comes in for one of your players it is hard to turn that down.
"For his development of course I would have liked him to stay at the club.
"But I understand once the champions of England come in and want to sign you, it is difficult to turn it down."
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