Release clause? 

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There was already huge excitement around Gilberto Mora in his homeland Mexico before the World Cup, but the wonderkid truly announced himself to a worldwide audience this summer. Mora became Mexico’s youngest ever player when he debuted against Saudi Arabia, aged 16 years and eight months and he ranks sixth for youngest players to feature at the World Cup. Although he didn’t register a goal contribution, the 17-year-old really impressed in his four appearances for Mexico at the World Cup and looked completely unfazed by the occasion.

Mora is an exceptionally skillful attacking midfielder with great composure in possession and he’s attracting interest from the biggest clubs in Europe. The Mexican signed a contract extension with Club Tijuana until 2029 but it’s inevitable that he will depart in the near future. Mora doesn’t turn 18 until October so can’t join a new club until the January window, but a deal can be agreed before his birthday. Mora’s departure will almost certainly break the record sale for a Liga MX club, which stands at €15m, and it’s been reported that he has a release clause around €23m. Therefore, we’ve analysed five potential destinations from the supremely talented midfielder.

Arsenal

According to reports in Mexico, Arsenal are preparing a bid for the teenage sensation. It’s been suggested that the North London club are willing to offer around €22m, which would be difficult for Tijuana to reject with their record sale standing at €7.6m. Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in England and would represent a prestigious move but the Mexican could struggle for regular minutes as Mikel Arteta’s squad is stacked with options and highly-rated youngsters like Ethan Nwaneri have struggled to truly breakthrough.

Liverpool

Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Tijuana over Mora as they look to steal a march on their Premier League rivals. The Anfield club have adopted a strategy to sign young players with massive potential as demonstrated with Giovani Leoni and Jeremey Jacquet. Liverpool would represent a fantastic move for More as Andoni Iraola has an excellent reputation for developing youngsters. Junior Kroupi, Dean Huijsen, Alex Scott and Rayan all prospered under the Spaniard at Bournemouth with Iraola placing huge trust in emerging talents.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are the biggest club in the world and the appeal of joining Los Blancos is almost irresistible for any player. During the World Cup, Mora named Jude Bellingham as the player he’d love to play alongside and they exchanged shirts after Mexico’s exit to England. Madrid are expected to be extremely active in the market this summer but José Mourinho isn’t renowned for developing youngsters and Madrid is a difficult environment for players to develop. They have been strongly linked with Mora and their illustrious history could give them the edge over other suitors.

Barcelona

Unlike their arch rivals, Barcelona frequently afford opportunities to younger stars and Hansi Flick has entrusted numerous academy graduates. Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez have all excelled under the tutelage of the German and Barca would be a great fit for Mora. The Catalan giants have naturally been linked with Mora and would be an appealing option, if they firmed up their interest with an offer.

Manchester United

Manchester United have tracked Mora for several months but shouldn’t be considered amongst the favourites to secure his signature. There’s been reports that United have cooled their interest as they don’t want to enter a bidding war, but that is nonsense as a release clause exists in his contract. United, however, have lots of business to complete this summer and although they need new central midfielders, Mora won’t be a priority.