Barcelona are intensifying their efforts to sign 16-year-old Mexican prodigy Gilberto Mora from Club Tijuana, as they look to fend off strong competition from Real Madrid, Manchester United, and several Premier League clubs.

Mora, an attacking midfielder already making waves in Liga MX, has become one of the most sought-after teenagers in world football.

His impressive blend of maturity, creativity, and technical flair has alerted scouts across Europe, sparking what could become one of the most competitive transfer races of 2025.

Barcelona Prepare €20m Bid for Gilberto Mora

According to reports from Spain, cited by Sports Mole, Barcelona are preparing a €20m (£17.4m) bid to secure the signature of the talented midfielder.

The Catalan club has already opened discussions with Tijuana, hoping to move swiftly before rivals escalate their pursuit.

TEAMtalk previously revealed that Mora’s “dream” is to play for Real Madrid, but Barcelona believe they can convince the youngster with a clear development plan similar to the one that shaped players like Pedri and Lamine Yamal.

The challenge for Barça is not only financial but also emotional, as Mora’s admiration for Real Madrid has been confirmed by Tijuana’s head of youth development, Ignacio Ruvalcaba.

Despite that, Barcelona remain confident they can offer a quicker path to first-team football.

Rising Star of Mexican Football

Gilberto Mora has already amassed 41 senior appearances for Tijuana, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. For a 16-year-old, those numbers are extraordinary, highlighting his ability to handle top-level football with composure beyond his years.

Currently representing Mexico’s Under-20 side at the U20 World Cup, Mora has been outstanding — scoring three times and assisting twice in just four games. His performances have further enhanced his reputation as one of the brightest prospects outside Europe.

Coaches describe him as an intelligent playmaker who reads the game well, combines agility with precise passing, and thrives under pressure. Scouts see shades of a young Luka Modrić in his play, particularly in his balance, close control, and ability to dictate tempo.

Real Madrid Pose the Biggest Threat

Barcelona’s pursuit is complicated by Real Madrid’s growing interest. Los Blancos have a proven record of snapping up elite teenage talents, with recent signings like Franco Mastantuono and Arda Güler strengthening their youthful core.

Real Madrid’s youth-focused strategy, coupled with Mora’s personal admiration for the club, puts them in a strong position if they decide to match or surpass Barcelona’s offer. Mora’s family reportedly has great respect for Madrid’s developmental environment and long-term player management.

The Road Ahead for Mora

With Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City also monitoring his progress, the race for Mora could quickly become a pan-European tug-of-war. For Barcelona, the move represents more than just signing a wonderkid — it’s about beating their biggest rival to one of the next global superstars.

Whether Mora chooses the Bernabéu dream or the Camp Nou project, his future appears destined to unfold on one of Europe’s grandest stages. At just 16, he already plays like a professional — and whichever club wins his signature will likely be securing one of the defining talents of the next decade.