Tribal Football

Mexican wonderkid attracting attention from world's best

Gilberto Mora in action for national side Mexico
Gilberto Mora in action for national side MexicoREUTERS/Raquel Cunha

Gilberto Mora is increasingly likely to leave Club Tijuana this year, but the biggest decision facing the Mexican teenager may not simply be which European club wants him most.

At 17, Mora has already attracted attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool among those reported to be monitoring his situation. Borussia Dortmund and Benfica have also been linked with the midfielder, and those options could prove particularly interesting as he considers the next stage of his development.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Mora turns 18 this month, meaning the possibility of an international transfer begins to open up. Xolos have already accepted that his future is likely to take him into European football - and there is also an expectation within Tijuana that this is likely to be his final season with the club.

It means the focus is increasingly shifting towards what comes next.

Spain and England are obvious destinations given the level of interest, but Mora is expected to be cautious about choosing his next club.

A move straight into the environment of Real Madrid, Barcelona or Liverpool could bring enormous exposure, but it would also create very different demands on a player who is still at the beginning of his career.

Mora needs a club where his technical qualities can be developed and where there is a clear pathway towards regular first-team football.

That would be part of the appeal of clubs such as Dortmund and Benfica, both of whom have established reputations for giving young players responsibility before they move into the very top tier of European football.

England would present a different challenge. The language and culture are obvious considerations, but so too are the physical demands and tactical profile of the Premier League.

The question is not whether Mora can eventually play at that level. It is whether England would be the environment that best develops the qualities that have made him such an exciting prospect at this stage.

His rise has already been extraordinary. Mora became the youngest player to represent Mexico at a World Cup and has continued to establish himself at senior level.

Now comes a potentially more important decision - and the biggest club may not necessarily be the best next club for Mora.

Prefer Tribal Football on GoogleSee our stories more often
AddAdd on Google

Related Articles