Barcelona might be home to some of the world's most talented young players, but that hasn't stopped the club from scouring the market for more prodigies, who can represent a smart long-term investment.
Gilberto Mora is one such player who has been on Barcelona's radar for quite some time now, as the youngster is regarded as one of the finest talents in North America.
The next big talent in North America. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
As reported by Diario AS , Mora further enhanced his growing reputation with a stunning goal for Mexico against Colombia during the international break.
The strike, which came in a 1-1 friendly draw at the Azteca Stadium, was a moment of real quality, with the 17-year-old driving into the box, cutting inside past two defenders and firing into the near post.
The finish also saw Mora make history, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Mexican national team at 17 years and 347 days.
It came during the same international break in which Rafa Marquez handed him the iconic number 10 shirt, making him the youngest player in Mexican history to wear it too.
Having already impressed at the World Cup, Mora is now firmly on the radar of Europe's biggest clubs.
Gilberto Mora is on everyone's radar now. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
The report adds that both Barcelona and Real Madrid are said to be closely monitoring the Mexican prodigy, viewing him as a potential long-term signing.
The two Spanish giants hold a notable advantage in that Mora is represented by agent Rafaela Pimenta, with whom both clubs enjoy strong relationships. That connection could help facilitate any future move.
There is also a commercial incentive at play, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid keen to tap into the vast and lucrative Mexican market that a player of Mora's profile would help unlock.
Although Mora recently renewed his contract with Xolos de Tijuana, the move was reportedly a strategic one, designed to facilitate a lucrative transfer to European football in the coming windows.
For Barcelona, who continue to prioritise young, high-ceiling talents, Mora represents an exciting prospect.
Whether they can win the race for his signature remains to be seen, but with Real Madrid and other elite clubs circling, it is certainly not going to be a walk in the park.
