Liverpool step up interest in Mexico World Cup star: report
Liverpool are leading a group of Premier League clubs chasing Mexico wonderkid Gilberto Mora, according to reports.
The 17-year-old midfielder enjoyed a breakout World Cup 2026, starting three games as the co-hosts reached the last 16 before exiting to England.
Mora’s performances have increased the hype around the teenager, who plays for Liga MX side Tijuana, and Liverpool are among several European heavyweights showing an interest.
Liverpool ‘very keen’ on Gilberto Mora as Manchester United stance changes
Mora was the youngest player at this summer’s World Cup, while he became the sixth-youngest player in the tournament’s history when he appeared as a second-half substitute against South Africa in the opening game, aged 17 years and 240 days.
He went on to start Mexico’s final Group A match against Czechia, the last-32 win over Ecuador and the defeat by England.
Having faced several Premier League stars at the Azteca last weekend, Mora is attracting the attention of multiple top English clubs – with TEAMtalk reporting that Liverpool are ‘very keen’ on the rising star.
The report states that the Reds have already made contact with the youngster’s camp to ‘establish the conditions of a deal’ and to see if he would be open to joining Andoni Iraola‘s men.
TEAMtalk adds that it remains only an exploratory approach from Liverpool, who are looking to get ahead of several rivals at home and abroad who have also been monitoring Mora.
Arsenal have reportedly shown recent interest, while Manchester City and Chelsea are also in the running. TEAMtalk claims that Real Madrid are ‘long-term admirers’ and that Mora would view a move to Los Blancos as a ‘dream come true’, while La Liga rivals Barcelona have also sent scouts to watch him.
However, the report adds that Manchester United are unlikely to pursue Mora despite tracking him for the past six months, with the Red Devils keen to avoid a bidding war.
The midfielder has three years left on his contract with Tijuana and is already valued at €40million-plus (£34million), which could rise as clubs compete for his signature following his displays at the World Cup.
However, FIFA regulations state that Mora cannot join a foreign team until he turns 18 on October 14 this year, so any transfer cannot be finalised until that date.
The Liga MX season begins later this month, which means Mora will have plenty of opportunities to impress for Tijuana and further increase his value before any move to Europe materialises.
