John-Kymani Gordon is expected to sign for Colchester United according to journalist Edmund Brack on Twitter (X).
Gordon is now a free agent following his release from Premier League outfit Crystal Palace, with the club deeming that the forward hadn’t done enough in recent loan spells to justify a new contract. The 21-year-old would never make a senior appearance for the Eagles, but was a mightily impressive for their under-21 side.
Despite his age, Gordon already has 47 appearances in the EFL to his name, 33 of those coming in England’s fourth tier. He perhaps hasn’t reached the heights that Palace thought he may, and two separate loan spells last season to Cambridge United and AFC Wimbledon didn’t quite work out.
During his time with the former in League One, the versatile forward would fail to score and with the latter he’d score just once in 18 appearances, although he was hardly a frequent starter. His next move will be pivotal, especially given he is now a free agent.
Prior to those loan spells with Cambridge and Wimbledon, Gordon would spend the second half of the season on loan with Carlisle United. Despite scoring twice during his spell with the Cumbrians, the forward had quite the impact, especially in the League Two play-offs.
After being suspended for the first leg of their semi-final tie with Bradford City, which they’d lose 1-0, Gordon was included in Paul Simpson’s starting lineup for the second leg. It would be his deflected effort, despite going down as an own goal, which would open the scoring for Carlisle, turning the game on its head in the process. The Blues would eventually win in extra time, booking their place to Wembley in the process.
Gordon would then start the play-off final against Stockport County, which the Cumbrians would win on penalties and he’ll be fondly remembered by fans as a result.
Colchester could be getting a very decent player if Gordon is able to show his potential. After two disappointing loan moves, a permanent move to Essex may well get the best out of him and at 21, he has plenty of time to still improve.
Writer’s View
It is still too early to judge Gordon, especially as he only turned 21 in February. He already has plenty of experience within the EFL and a change of scenery could well get him back on track. Following their 22nd placed finish last term, fans will be expecting far better under the Cowley brothers next term and the addition of the youngster will help that.
Able to play anywhere across the forward line, he brings versatility as well and could be quite the asset for the future if able to find some form in front of goal.
Replicating his performances for Carlisle will serve him well as he looked rather his spell with the Cumbrians. The move may have some risks attached, but the potential rewards greatly outweigh those.
