Real Madrid and Barcelona have received positive scouting reports on 16-year-old Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora, although sources from both clubs told ESPN it remains too early to consider signing the Tijuana prospect. Both Spanish giants monitored Mora\'s performances at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile.
Barcelona sporting director Deco\'s assistant Joao Amaral traveled to Chile to watch Mora at the tournament. A source told ESPN that Mora has \"strong potential and really interesting characteristics\" but acknowledged \"at 16, Mora may still need some room to grow.\"
Madrid sources share Barcelona\'s cautious optimism about the attacking midfielder. A club source told ESPN it is premature to determine whether Mora \"will become a top player\" capable of succeeding at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Several Madrid sources agree Mora is the most prominent name of his generation. The midfielder turns 17 on Tuesday and cannot transfer to any European club until he turns 18.
Mora recorded three goals and two assists as Mexico reached the knockout stages before losing to Argentina in the quarterfinals. Barcelona are not surprised by his performances as they have monitored his progress for some time.
\"We\'ve received very interesting reports about him,\" a Barcelona source said. \"He\'s only just now making a media splash, and everyone\'s talking about him. He\'s a very skilled midfielder, a player with very good prospects, although it\'s still too early to define what his ultimate goal will be.\"
Madrid sources told ESPN that Mora\'s position and the importance of the Mexican market make his signing particularly attractive. The club has previously signed Vinicius Junior and Endrick as minors, loaning them to their Brazilian clubs until they turned 18.
Madrid have been scouting creative talents to fill the void left by Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. The club considers the Mexican market strategic and believes signing a Mexican player would strengthen their presence in a country with a large fanbase.