Well, Andoni Iraola has finally been asked about Liverpool’s interest in Gilberto Mora, and he hasn’t exactly given much away!
The Liverpool boss was speaking to TNT Sports Mexico after Tuesday night’s thrilling 4-3 Champions League win over Villarreal when the subject of the Mexican youngster came up.
And his response was certainly worth listening to.
“Let’s see, not only because of what he’s doing,” Iraola said.
He went on to explain that he doesn’t like talking about players who don’t belong to Liverpool, adding that there has to be respect between clubs.
He finished by saying that he has his own opinion but would prefer not to comment on players who aren’t Liverpool players.
Fair enough, boss. I suppose we weren’t expecting him to come out and tell us Liverpool are about to sign the lad!
But he hasn’t exactly shut the door, has he?
Now, I’m not going to sit here and pretend Iraola’s comments confirm anything. They don’t.
He’s being careful, as you’d expect a manager to be when asked about a player contracted to another club.
But it certainly keeps the conversation going.
Liverpool have been heavily linked with Mora, and there have even been reports of a huge offer being made for the teenager. His agent has played down suggestions that a deal is already in place, though, so there’s still plenty we don’t know.
What caught my attention was Iraola saying he has an opinion but would rather not share it.
That could simply be him being respectful. We shouldn’t read too much into it.
Still, I’d love to know what he really thinks of Mora and whether he sees him as someone who could fit into his Liverpool team.
Why I’d love to see Mora at Anfield
Mora is only 18, but he’s already attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Liverpool don’t need to rush into signing every young player who gets linked with them, but this is the sort of talent that makes you sit up and take notice.
If the club genuinely believe he has the potential to become a top player, I can understand why they’d be interested in bringing him to Anfield.
Of course, a big transfer fee brings its own pressure. Nobody should expect an 18-year-old to arrive and immediately transform Liverpool’s midfield.
But signing exciting young players and giving them the right environment to develop is something I want to see Liverpool continue doing.
And with Iraola in charge, I’d be interested to see how he could develop a player with Mora’s ability.
So, is a Liverpool move getting closer?
Honestly, we still don’t know.
Iraola hasn’t confirmed a bid, negotiations or even Liverpool’s level of interest. His answer was cautious, and that’s all we can really take from it.
But the rumours aren’t going away, and the fact that the Liverpool manager has now been asked directly about Mora shows just how much attention this story is attracting.
Personally, I’d love Liverpool to get this one done if they believe Mora is the real deal.
There’s a long way to go before we can start talking about him pulling on a red shirt, so I’m not getting carried away just yet.
But I am intrigued.
And if Iraola knows something we don’t, he’s certainly not letting it slip!
Over to you, Liverpool. If Gilberto Mora is a player you really want, go and make it happen.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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