Kaide Gordon: what’s next for the Liverpool youngster after signing his first professional contract?

Kaide Gordon has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool.

It's rewarded for the 17-year-old's rapid progress he's made at Anfield, having arrived from Derby in a deal worth up to £3 million.

Gordon featured heavily in pre-season before catching the eye when making his Reds debut in a 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Norwich last month.

The winger has been lauded by manager Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk in recent months and he has a bright future ahead.

But now he's put pen to paper on his maiden pro deal, what is next for Gordon?

Staying involved

Assistant manager Pep Lijnders couldn't hide his excitement about Gordon when watching him train with the under-23s in the summer.

Lijnders was immediately on the phone to Klopp telling him about the youngster's quality.

As a result, Gordon trained with Klopp's first team for the entirety of pre-season, culminating in an outing against Osasuna at Anfield.

The forward has remained rubbing shoulders with the likes of van Dijk, Mo Salah and Co on a regular basis during the campaign.

That's a position Gordon needs to stay in for the rest of the campaign. That way he can learn from some of the best players in the world.

Cup continuation

Gordon was highly impressive on his debut against Norwich.

Featuring in a right-wing role, Gordon was a constant threat against Premier League opposition.

His performance rightly left Kopites purring and wanting to see more of him.

In truth, Gordon won't get too many opportunities in the Premier League.

With Salah and Sadio Mane occupying the flanks, Gordon could hardly grumble given they're two of the best wide man on the planet.

But taking his chances in cup competitions is paramount.

Liverpool play Preston in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on October 27 and Gordon's likely to feature. Win that game and it's another guaranteed outing in the next stage of the competition.

Then when the Reds' FA cup campaign starts in January, he also needs to ensure he's in Klopp's thinking.

Premier League debut

While it's hard to see Gordon featuring prominently in Liverpool's title charge, we shouldn't rule out the odd outing here and there - particularly towards the back end.

If the Reds are still fighting for both the Premier League and Champions League, Klopp will be aware of managing Salah and Mane's minutes to ensure they don’t suffer injury or fatigue.

The likes of Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino are in reserve and may be turned to first.

But there's every chance that Klopp hand Gordon opportunitites off the bench, especially if Liverpool are in an insurmountable position in the game.

Loan move

With that being said, a loan move in January could be the direction to take.

Gordon made one Championship appearance for Derby and had thrust his way into Wayne Rooney's plans before his move to Liverpool.

Given his performance at Norwich, the fledgling ace would be ready for regular action in the second tier. Certainly, he wouldn't be short of suitors.

Having already recorded two goals and an assist in just three games for the under-23s this term, Gordon is clearly ready for the step.

Harvey Elliott benefitted hugely from spending last season at Blackburn. He's now a firm member of Klopp's set-up and made three successive Premier League starts before dislocating his ankle against Leeds.

Gordon could follow the same trajectory.