Iraola refuses to deny £38m Mora bid as Mac Allister takes subtle dig at Arne Slot

Andoni Iraola has stopped short of denying Liverpool’s reported pursuit of Tijuana playmaker Gilberto Mora, declining to rule out an approach for the 18-year-old after claims the club have already submitted a bid exceeding £38 million.

Speaking on Tuesday following Liverpool’s 4-3 Champions League victory over Villarreal — their third consecutive win — Iraola was asked directly about the links to Mora, who made history this summer as the youngest player to represent Mexico at a World Cup. “There are times when you ask me about players, but I can’t talk about players who aren’t ours, right? In the end, there’s respect,” Iraola said. “I prefer not to comment, not about players who aren’t from Liverpool.”

Mora remains under contract with Tijuana for another two-and-a-half years, but reports suggest the Liga MX club would struggle to resist interest from Europe’s elite if it materialises in 2027. A successful move would make him the most expensive export in Liga MX history.

Elsewhere, Alexis Mac Allister offered a pointed assessment of life under Iraola compared to his predecessor Arne Slot. The Argentine midfielder scored twice in Tuesday’s turnaround against Villarreal and suggested the current regime has brought a welcome change in atmosphere and individual development.

“Last year was a really difficult year for all of us,” Mac Allister said, in comments that appeared to reflect on Slot’s tenure before the Dutchman departed at the end of last season.

Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League but can climb to fourth with a home win against Brighton at Anfield on Sunday. Tuesday’s result extended their winning run to three matches for the first time this campaign, with Iraola’s high-energy style beginning to take hold across the squad.

The Villarreal victory was the latest example of Liverpool’s attacking potential under the former Bournemouth manager, with the Reds having now scored 11 goals across their last three fixtures. Whether that momentum carries into the weekend’s top-flight contest against a Brighton side in strong form remains to be seen.