Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for Mexico starlet Gilberto Mora after he burst onto the scene at this summer's World Cup. The 17-year-old became the second-youngest ever player to start a match in the tournament's history, behind only Pele, and, ahead of his 18th birthday later this month, has repeatedly been tipped to make a big-money move to Europe in the coming months.
Rapid rise at Tijuana
Mora made his debut for club side Tijuana in August 2024 when just 15 years old and marked the occasion with an assist off the bench in a 3-1 victory over Santos Laguna. Since then, the attacking midfielder has made 62 appearances for the club, returning 15 goals and three assists with such form earning him a maiden Mexico call-up in the summer of 2025.
A member of the side that won last year's Gold Cup, becoming the youngest player to lift an international trophy in the process, the teenager also scored his first international goal last month during the most recent break.
Transfer speculation intensifies
While still only in the formative years of his career, Mora keeps going from strength-to-strength. Reports in his homeland continue to link him with a move to the Premier League amid reported interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Last month, El Universal, as quoted by Sport Witness, reported that the Reds had contacted Tijuana to enquire about Mora's contractual situation and future availability as they sought to learn the conditions of a potential transfer. Earlier this week, TUDN journalist David Faitelson reported that Liverpool had followed up their initial enquiry with a £37m offer for the playmaker, while ESPN Mexico journalist Leon Lecanda has since reported that a record deal for Mora to join a top European club will be announced following his 18th birthday.
Agent and national team backing
Only time will tell if such reports prove to be accurate, but Mora's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, is giving little away regarding her client's future. "Please understand that I don't comment on transfer rumours," she told Record in Mexico. "I won't say anything at all about the transfer of any player. Thank you very much for your understanding."
Both his Mexico manager, Rafael Marquez, and international team-mate, Raul Jimenez, have backed the youngster to thrive in Europe if and when he makes such a move. "I think Gilberto has a lot of talent, and I think he can have a great future, if he manages it well," Marquez said, as quoted by ABC Noticias. "I think he could fit in with any team. He has the ability and, above all, the mentality to want to succeed. Wherever he goes, I'm sure he can have many opportunities and have a great career."
Meanwhile, while Jimenez is confident Mora could thrive in any top league, the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker advised the teenager to consider alternative moves to the Premier League for now. "He has what it takes to play anywhere," he told Claro Sports. "But he could also take it step by step, gradually, just as has happened with many players. They go to slightly smaller leagues and then make the leap, like Argentines and Brazilians who are signed by Dutch or Portuguese teams. Well, given his quality and his future, I think he could do well if he starts out in a top league. Where would I like to see him? Germany could work, Borussia Dortmund, perhaps. It fits his style. Or Spain, where the league is a bit more technical and, at times, not as physical. I think he could adapt well there."
Mora's future will remain the subject of ongoing speculation until his next move is confirmed. And having thrived in his homeland, it remains to be seen if anything concrete will materialise from Liverpool's reported interest.
