Real Madrid and Barcelona quoted €17m to sign teenage sensation

Over the years, Real Madrid and Barcelona have often competed for some of the world’s most sought-after young players, and soon, they could go head-to-head again for a top talent that has taken the U20 World Cup by storm.

Dating back to last year, Barcelona have been reported to have an interest in Gilberto Mora. At the age of 15, he was offered a trial at La Masia, but he has remained in Mexico with Tijuana, with whom he has been a regular starter for some time now.

In recent weeks, it has also been noted that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Mora, and both clubs have been following his progress at the ongoing U20 World Cup. There, he has been a standout performer despite being only 16 years of age, with three goals and two assists in five appearances.

Mora has been playing in attack for Mexico’s U20s, but at club level, he often operates as a left midfielder – although he can also play in a central midfield role too. His versatility will be greatly appreciated by Real Madrid and Barcelona, who now know the price it would take to sign him. As per reports in Mexico (via Marca), Tijuana are asking for $20m (€17.2m) in order to allow the teenager to leave, but crucially, that would only be for 50% of his rights.

Mora would likely prefer to join Real Madrid

Mora would not be able to join a club in Europe until January 2027, as he does not turn 18 until next October. And when he does make the move, there is a good chance that Real Madrid would be his preferred destination, as revealed by Ignacio Ruvalcaba, the head of the youth academy at Tijuana.

“Gil Mora has a dream, which is to play for Real Madrid, but he has his feet on the ground. He always watches football and loves to watch Real Madrid, surely he sees himself playing there. I think he has a very focused family, his father has handled him very well and hopefully we can see him there succeeding. He does see himself playing there in the future, he loves watching European football and I think he has the quality to be in those leagues.”