Liverpool eye £40m bid as European giants chase Mexican prodigy
Liverpool are prepared to spend up to £40 million to sign 17-year-old attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora from Club Tijuana, netting in a recent 1-1 draw with Colombia. European clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain are also monitoring his progress.
Why Liverpool are targeting Mora
The Reds have made direct contact with Mora’s representatives and are described as showing “serious interest”. Manager Andoni Iraola will need to assure the teenager of regular first‑team minutes, a point highlighted by sources who say Premier League sides must guarantee “regular minutes” for his development. Liverpool see the midfielder as a long‑term investment that could shape their attacking options for years.
Mora’s contract with Tijuana runs until 2029 and contains a release structure designed to facilitate a major sale. The Mexican club reportedly want at least £30 million, with the overall package potentially reaching £40 million depending on deal structure and add‑on clauses tied to future performance.
European competition and valuation
Beyond Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Benfica have held preliminary talks with agent Rafaela Pimenta, while a wider group that includes Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Ajax and Napoli are also tracking the teenager. The expected fee is quoted in the region of €20 million to €25 million, equivalent to roughly £17 million to £21 million, and would break all Liga MX records.
European clubs cannot sign Mora before his 18th birthday on 14 October, making a January move complicated. Tijuana are reportedly planning to sell him next summer, when they believe his value could be at its highest.
Liverpool’s interest is further motivated by the player’s recent World Cup exposure, which raised his profile dramatically. The club hopes to present a clear development pathway rather than a mere glamour offer, hoping to persuade Mora that England offers the best environment for regular football.
If Liverpool can move decisively, they could secure one of the market’s most highly rated young players and potentially acquire him for a fee that, while substantial for a teenager, may look modest if his value continues to rise.