Liverpool have been linked to one of Mexico’s brightest young talents, Gilberto Mora, but would the teenage attacking midfielder make sense for the Reds?
Liverpool’s transfer efforts so far this summer have focused primarily on the attack, with Victor Munoz signed and a right winger sought after.
There are other needs to address, and that leads to inevitable links to players around the world, with Mora becoming one of the latest to emerge on the club’s transfer radar.
Player Profile: Gilberto Mora
Full Name: Gilberto Rafael Mora ZambranoAge: 17 (October 14, 2008)Height: 5’6″ (168cm)Birthplace: Tuxtla, Mexico Coast
Club: TijuanaPosition: Attacking MidfielderFoot: RightMarket Value: £8.4m
Mexican broadsheet newspaper El Universal has claimed Liverpool have enquired about the 17-year-old, following on from a report in the Mail that they were “aware of the player’s abilities.”
With his World Cup with Mexico over and the possibility of a transfer looming, we have taken a closer look at the teenager with the help of FotMob.
Who is Gilberto Mora?
The 17-year-old rose up the ranks at Mexican side Tijuana and joined their first-team setup in 2024 at only 15.
He then became Tijuana’s youngest-ever debutant at 15 years, 10 months and five days old, the third-youngest player to debut in Liga MX, and the youngest player to provide an assist.
On his debut, he wore the No. 251 on the back of his shirt!
A call-up to Mexico’s senior side followed in 2025, making him the youngest player to feature for the national team at 16 years old. He later lifted the Gold Cup for his country.
The young attacking midfielder has made 53 appearances and scored 10 goals at club level for Tijuana, earning the title as one of Mexico’s most promising prospects.
Mora is still only 17, and thus relatively short (5’6″) with a slight build that reflects his tender years.
Despite that, the right-footer utilises his game awareness and intelligence against senior opposition, and he is comfortable carrying the ball and taking risks when called for.
In 2025/26, which saw Mora make 20 appearances across the Apertura and Clausura split-season, he was in the top 30 percent of his positional peers for shots (1.73 per 90) and touches in the opposition box (2.28 per 90).
He is not a high-volume passer, ranking in the bottom 15 percent for total passes, but his impressive 86.9 percent completion rate demonstrates a rare tactical maturity. He protects the ball efficiently until he spots the right moment to take a risk.
This is further reflected by ranking in the top 25 percent for big chances created (0.27 per 90).
Why Gilberto Mora would make sense for Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, March 7, 2022: Liverpool club crest on the outside of the AXA Training Centre pictured ahead of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg game between Liverpool FC and FC Internazionale Milano. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Real Madrid, Man United, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea and West Ham are among the clubs namechecked with interest in the teenager, who is reported to have a buyout clause around £20 million.
FotMob, meanwhile, assesses his transfer value at £8.4 million.
For a player with a high ceiling, it invites clubs of Liverpool’s stature to take a calculated risk and put their faith in the youngster and their development pathway.
He has the maturity and senior experience that few players have at his age, and has shown the flexibility to feature as a left midfielder, left winger, and even as a striker.
At the World Cup this summer he played a total of 215 minutes, including three starts.
His 2.09 chances created per 90 saw him rank in the top seventh percentile for players in his position at the tournament, and his 3.35 touches in the opposition box per 90 placed him in the top 11 percent.
The quality of the opposition shone a light on the physicality he will need to continue to develop, having won just 39.1 percent of his duels, but that will not put off interested suitors.
Liverpool have been urged to tap into the Central and South American market, and they have started to do so with the pursuit of fellow 17-year-old attacking midfielder, Samuel Martinez, from Atletico Nacional in Colombia.
Mora, while demanding a higher fee, will be viewed more favourably having showcased his ability at senior level for nearly two years, and could sit alongside Rio Ngumoha as a player the Reds handle with equal care and trust.
Why Gilberto Mora would have to wait until 18 for a transfer
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Mora, who has a contract that runs until 2029, is represented by Rafaela Pimenta, the agent of former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and Man City‘s Erling Haaland, among others.
But any prospect of a move to Europe will 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.
A deal could be agreed in advance of a move in January or next summer, but he would not be available to make the switch this year.
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