Image Credits: Imago Images
Mexico’s run at the 2026 World Cup was admirable, and it’s no surprise that Europe’s biggest clubs are now circling their brightest young star.
El Tri topped their group with three wins from three. That momentum carried into the Round of 32, where goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez delivered a historic 2-0 win over Ecuador in Mexico City – their first World Cup knockout victory since 1986.
The adventure ended in dramatic fashion in the last 16, as Mexico pushed England all the way at the Azteca before falling 3-2 in a breathless contest decided by Jude Bellingham’s brace and a Harry Kane penalty.
One of the biggest takeaways from that campaign has been the emergence of 17‑year‑old playmaker Gilberto Mora. The attacking midfielder, who plays for Club Tijuana, broke into the national side before his 18th birthday.
Last week, De Telegraaf namechecked Liverpool among several Premier League clubs tracking Mora closely during the World Cup.
Now Mexican outlet El Universal (via Sport Witness) that Tijuana are preparing a buyout clause of around £18–20 million into Mora’s long‑term deal running to 2029, a figure designed to reflect both his current impact and his future upside.
It’s claimed that Liverpool and Arsenal are already “planning” to pay that amount, effectively positioning themselves for a bidding war, even though FIFA and UK work‑permit rules mean Mora cannot actually move to England until after his 18th birthday.
In practice, that points towards a pre‑agreement or advanced negotiations over the next six to twelve months.
Mora has already carved out a place in World Cup history by becoming the second‑youngest player ever to start in a knockout tie, only Brazil icon Pele did so at a younger age, when he was selected against Ecuador at 17 years and 259 days.
He is also the youngest Mexican to play at a men’s World Cup, having been used off the bench and from the start during this tournament.
At club level, he first stepped onto the Liga MX stage as a 15‑year‑old.