Liverpool lead Premier League chase for Mexico's 17-year-old World Cup star Gilberto Mora

Liverpool have opened talks over a potential move for Gilberto Mora, the 17-year-old Mexico midfielder who emerged as one of the standout young players at World Cup 2026, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

Mora, who plays for Liga MX club Tijuana, was the youngest player at this summer’s tournament and became the sixth-youngest in World Cup history when he appeared as a substitute against South Africa aged 17 years and 240 days. He went on to start Mexico’s final Group A match against Czechia, the last-32 victory over Ecuador, and the round-of-16 defeat by England as the co-hosts bowed out.

TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool are ‘very keen’ on Mora and have already made contact with his representatives to ‘establish the conditions of a deal’ and gauge his interest in joining Andoni Iraola’s side. The approach is described as exploratory at this stage, with the Reds aiming to move ahead of a crowded field of rivals.

Arsenal have reportedly shown recent interest, while Manchester City and Chelsea are also monitoring the teenager. Real Madrid are described as ‘long-term admirers’ and Mora is said to view a move to the Bernabéu as a ‘dream come true’, with Barcelona also having sent scouts to watch him. Manchester United, despite tracking Mora for six months, are said to be unlikely to pursue a deal as they look to avoid a bidding war.

Mora has three years remaining on his Tijuana contract and is already valued at over €40 million (approximately £34 million), a figure that could climb further as competition for his signature intensifies following his World Cup displays.

Any transfer cannot be completed until Mora turns 18, a threshold he will reach on 14 October this year, in line with FIFA regulations governing the international transfer of minors. The Liga MX season is set to begin later this month, giving him further opportunities to build on his World Cup reputation before a potential move to Europe.