A Mexican newspaper has claimed that Liverpool have made an approach for highly-rated 17-year-old Gilberto Mora.
As the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup, Mora impressed for Mexico and started his nation’s three most recent games as they beat the Czech Republic and Ecuador before losing to England.
An attacking midfielder, he became the sixth-youngest player to ever feature at the World Cup when he came off the bench for Mexico in their opener against South Africa.
It will come as no surprise that clubs in Europe have been linked to the Club Tijuana attacker, and Liverpool are the latest to have had their name thrown into the mix.
Mexican broadsheet newspaper El Universal wrote: “Liverpool’s management have approached Xolos de Tijuana to enquire about the contractual status of the 17-year-old.”
This comes following rumours that Arsenal have also been in touch with Mora’s club.
The report added that Tijuana are looking to place a buyout clause in his contract, that runs until 2029, that would see him priced at about £18.7 million.
It was just a few days ago that the Mail said Liverpool, Real Madrid, Man United, Man City, Chelsea and West Ham are “aware of the player’s abilities,” though the latter are considered outsiders.
Mora is represented by Rafaela Pimenta, the agent of former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and Man City‘s Erling Haaland, among others.
However, any prospect of a move to Europe may have to wait due to FIFA rules dictating that he can’t move abroad until he turns 18 years old – his birthday is October 14.
Liverpool could be looking more at the Central/South American markets
Liverpool don’t tend to buy players from the Americas. The standard of football is very different and it can be difficult to judge how a player will adapt.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Friday, July 5, 2024: Liverpool's new head coach Arne Slot (L) and Sporting Director Richard Hughes (R) are presented at a photo call at the club's AXA Training Centre. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
They are beginning to change their stance, though, and Mora could be an exception. He has played at the World Cup and shown he can compete at a good level.
The Reds are also in the process of completing a deal to sign fellow 17-year-old attacking midfielder, Samuel Martinez, from Atletico Nacional in Colombia.
Mora is evidently more advanced in his development and judging by his international performances, he could certainly improve Liverpool’s attacking options.
Having already played 53 times for Club Tijuana across a range of attacking positions, it would make sense for Liverpool to sign Mora, especially given how much they would pay comparatively for a European player of similar quality.