Questioned on Liverpool’s rumoured interest in Mexico midfielder Gilberto Mora, Alexis Mac Allister said he’d “surely be a great player” if he’s wanted at Anfield.
Mora has emerged as a possible target for Liverpool following his breakout at the World Cup, with the 17-year-old impressing in his four games for Mexico.
The Mail‘s Lewis Steele cited interest from Merseyside earlier in July – along with Real Madrid, Man City, Man United, Chelsea and West Ham – while Mexican newspaper El Universal later claimed an enquiry had been made.
De Telegraaf also named Liverpool as a suitor while drawing on their links with the teenager’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta – who also represents Arne Slot.
There appears to be credibility to these claims, and speaking to Mexican broadcaster Claro Sports after Argentina’s 3-1 win over Switzerland, Mac Allister welcomed any interest.
“Honestly, I didn’t see anything about it,” Liverpool’s No. 10 admitted.
“When these things happen, you’re always careful what you say, out of respect for the player and the club he belongs to.
“But if he’s being linked with Liverpool, he’ll surely be a great player, and there’s a reason they’re mentioning him.”
While it is no surprise Mac Allister is not privy to Liverpool’s transfer plans – particularly as any new arrivals may come at his expense – he certainly makes a strong point when it comes to the quality required.
If Liverpool do pursue Mora, there will be a belief he is of the standard needed to either join the first team or make the step up in the near future.
Why Liverpool cannot sign Gilberto Mora until 2027
However, any deal with Club Tijuana could not come into effect until the January transfer window at the earliest, as the attacking midfielder does not turn 18 until October.
English clubs are unable to sign players from abroad until they are 18, in rules which have been in place since Brexit.
But Liverpool have already lined up a number of deals in advance, including summer arrival Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who agreed to join from Austria Vienna in January but was unable to complete his £2.6 million transfer until the following window.
Liverpool centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe completes his transfer from Austria Vienna. Credit: @as1sports (IG)
Colombian attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez is also set to join from Atletico Nacional next summer, while Senegalese winger Sidy Barhama Ndiaye is expected to arrive from Diambars FC in 2028.
There is a possibility that any club who signs Mora would agree to keep him on loan at Club Tijuana for the remainder of the Liga MX campaign, which runs from July to May.
Mora has already played 53 times for Club Tijuana’s first team, scoring 10 goals and laying on two assists.