Manchester United are tracking Mexican wonderkid Gilberto Mora but face competition from Europe’s elite, as well as a former player at Old Trafford, to secure the attacking midfielder’s signature, according to a report.
Mexico’s Next Superstar
Despite being just 16, Mora is already a first-team player for Club Tijuana, currently 5th in Liga MX – Mexico’s top division.
Having made his debut just ten days after his 15th birthday, the youngster’s almost unprecedented ascension makes him one of the “most talked about players in North America,” according to TBR Football.
Mora has made 41 appearances for Tijuana, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. But it’s the maturity he displays on the ball, playing constantly with his head up, which makes him stand out amongst opposition midfielders almost double his age.
Mora has already played three times for the Mexico national team, having represented his country at every level of youth football before his rise to the senior squad. He is expected to be a part of El Tri’s team for the World Cup next summer, taking place in the United States.
But he also been included in the squad for the U-20 World Cup Finals in Chile where he is “set to be one of the most talked about players at the tournament” as interest from Europe grows, as well as America.
Interest from Europe and the United States
TBR Football reveals United are tracking Mora closely, but are joined in the hunt by Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain as well as a host of other top European sides also monitoring the midfielder.
But Inter Miami, fronted by co-owner and former Red Devil David Beckham, are pushing hard to keep the talented youngster in North America, away from the clutches of bigger sides to the east.
“TBR Football understands that David Beckham wants to capture arguably the best young talent in North America, potentially the brightest prospect ever seen, but they have a tough job on their hands.
“But they are not alone with Man United, Real Madrid, PSG, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund all on the player’s trail.
“The rest of the Premier League, including Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City are also very much aware of him.”
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey states to TRB Football that Mora is a “name that everyone in football is talking about, across Europe. There have been a few players that I have heard more chatter about than him.
“He is likely going to be the most talked about player at the forthcoming Under-20 World Cup, and indeed, he is likely to feature at a home World Cup finals – it’s going to be a huge 12 months for Mora and Mexican football.”
United’s interest is understandable, therefore, as INEOS have prioritised securing the best young talent from across the globe since assuming the helm at Old Trafford last year.
However, TBR Football contend Real Madrid are considered the frontrunners for Mora, according to sources close to his camp, given Mexican superstars Hugo Sanchez and Javier Hernandez have previously played for Los Blancos.
But Hernandez is far better remembered for his exploits at Old Trafford than the Bernabeu – and United would be wise to lean on their former player to help secure one of the best young talents across world football.
Feature image Rich Storry via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
