Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has responded to reports linking the club with Mexico teenage playmaker Gilberto Mora, following comments from the 17-year-old's agent. The Club Tijuana youngster has been linked with a move to Anfield after impressing at the World Cup before Mexico's elimination.
Agent speaks out on Mora's future
Rafaela Pimenta, the super-agent who also represents Manchester City star Erling Haaland, was seen with Mora at the World Cup quarter-final between England and Norway. She posted a picture of Mora on her Instagram story before kick-off. Pimenta has already been vocal about Mora's future amid reported interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, stating: "We're in no rush, but he's developing quickly. We need to study the ideal place for him to develop."
She added: "At this age, you can't be the best on your team. If you're the best, you have to move to a higher-level team. At this age, you shouldn't be the leader; you have to be the kid who looks at the others and says, 'I have to be like them.' I'm going to do everything I can to sell Gilberto for a high price."
Pimenta warns against burdening young star
After Mexico's 3-2 defeat to England in the World Cup, Pimenta sent a clear message to fans: "It's not right to put the weight of Mexico on his shoulders. It's not that he doesn't want the responsibility, but there's no need to place that kind of burden on Gil. We have to let him grow one step at a time."
Mac Allister's measured response
Mac Allister was asked about Liverpool's interest in Mora following Argentina's win over Switzerland. According to Claro Sports, he said: "Honestly, I didn't see anything about it. 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."
