Borussia Dortmund has reportedly intensified its pursuit of 17-year-old Mexican talent Gilberto Mora, making contact with his representatives. The Bundesliga leaders face significant competition for the attacking midfielder's signature, with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona also in the race.

Club legend Lothar Matthäus confirmed Dortmund's interest. "I have also heard that Borussia Dortmund has stretched out its feelers a bit for him," Matthäus said. The contacts are being handled by agent Rafaela Pimenta, who also represents former Dortmund star Erling Haaland, a connection that could prove beneficial. Dortmund currently top the Bundesliga with 12 points from four games, having scored nine goals this season.

Competition from England and Spain

The competition is fierce. Alongside the Spanish giants, Liverpool are allegedly preparing an offer worth nearly €45 million for Mora. This information comes from Mexican journalist David Faitelson, citing agent Pimenta. The agent herself had previously underlined the player's value. "For 15 million you don't even get a leg of Gilberto," Rafaela Pimenta joked last October. Real Madrid and Barcelona may have an advantage due to their long-standing relationships with Pimenta, though Mora is said to have previously rejected a trial at Barcelona.

Mora's profile and potential timeline

Gilberto Mora, who turns 18 on October 14, is an attacking midfielder contracted to Club Tijuana until 2029. In his first seven league games in Mexico's Liga MX, he scored five goals and provided one assist. He announced himself internationally by playing four matches as the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup and scoring his first senior international goal in a 1-1 draw against Colombia. A move to Europe could therefore be possible next summer or in the winter window. Ignacio Ruvalcaba, head of Tijuana's youth academy, said Mora dreams of playing for Real Madrid but remains grounded.

Jiménez recommends Dortmund

Support for a move to Dortmund comes from Mexican international teammate Raúl Jiménez. The Fulham striker advised Mora to consider a step to Germany. "He has what it takes to play anywhere, but it can also be a gradual process, step by step," Jiménez said. "Maybe in Germany, at Borussia Dortmund. They have their own style of play." Dortmund have recently made costly signings for positions Mora favours, such as Giannis Konstantelias and Konstantinos Karetsas.

Dortmund's strong sporting position could aid negotiations. The league leaders enter their next home fixture against Werder Bremen on October 9th on a five-game winning streak. Whether Dortmund can prevail against financially powerful competitors remains uncertain. The coming weeks will show if the contacts via Rafaela Pimenta lead to a concrete transfer offer.

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