Tijuana midfielder Gilberto Mora has been impressing with the Mexican national team at the World Cup and put himself in the shop window where Liverpool are now interested.
17:50, 04 Jul 2026
Gilberto Mora in action at the World Cup
Gilberto Mora in action at the World Cup(Image: Getty)
Liverpool has reportedly registered an interest in Mexican international starlet Gilberto Mora.
The wonderkid, 17, has been performing with his national team at the World Cup and started their last-32 round win over Ecuador on Wednesday. Mora became the youngest starting XI player at the tournament since Pele took the mantle in 1958.
The teenager has put himself in the shop window thanks to his record-breaking antics in his homeland and has already played three times for Mexico on that stage including in their victories over Czechia as well as South Africa in the opening fixture of the competition on matchday one.
The Tijuana midfielder has a number of potential suitors across Europe as well as in the Premier League. Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are all said to be interested in the player who has a major future ahead of him.
It is being reported by Telegraaf, however, that Mora would prefer to wait until he turns 18 before moving to Europe which would not be until October 2027.
So the Reds and any competitors for Mora's signature would have to play the waiting game.
Or, potentially, a pre-contract agreement could be struck with a loan back to Tijuana being put in motion before his switch to English soccer in future.
Andoni Iraola could move for Mora
Andoni Iraola could move for Mora(Image: Getty Images)
For his club he has already made 53 appearances for the first-team and scored 10 goals, chipping in with two assists in that time. Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola may well be keeping an eye on those statistics.
Mora was given a standing ovation from his country after performing against Ecuador and that seemed to signal a pile-on in terms of praise for the young man.
"It is a shame that Mora lost his strength, but he is still just a child and has shown tremendous courage," Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. He already has 11 full caps as just 17.
Football analyst and coach, John Walker, described Mora's ascendency as being like a "star is born". He also compared the young talent to Barcelona and Spain icon Andres Iniesta.
He posted on X: "Gilberto Mora: A Star is Born. The similarities to Andrés Iniesta go beyond physical profile: Calm & Composed with the Ball. Vision & Awareness of Team-Mates. Decision-Making on Pass Selection. Dribbling Close Control.
"Doing this against a £100million Midfielder in (Moises) Caicedo is ridiculous.
"Youngest Player at the WC, Youngest Player to play a Knockout Tie since Pele & playing a starring role tonight: 2 Chances Created, 88% Pass Completion (22/25), Four Final Third Passes, 80% Duel Success (4/5), 2 Fouls Won.
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"Laughable that in my own country, his technically ability would be completely ignored because & his lack of physical profile highlighted... What A Future".