Liverpool have become known for spending a pretty penny in the transfer market over recent seasons, but their £450m spending spree last window ultimately failed to have the desired effect.
The fifth-placed finish in the Premier League cost Arne Slot his job at Anfield just 12 months after claiming title glory during his maiden campaign on Merseyside.
Andoni Iraola’s the latest manager to try his luck and make the Reds a dominant force, but he no doubt wishes he could rely upon a player like Jude Bellingham.
The Englishman was a key transfer target for Liverpool back in the summer of 2023, before he chose to move to Real Madrid instead of moving to Merseyside.
His latest achievements at international level have no doubt rubbed salt into the wounds of Reds supporters who desperately wanted him just a couple of years ago.
How Liverpool’s midfield has developed after missing out on Bellingham
England’s 2-1 win over Norway last night was the latest example of what could have been for Liverpool, as Bellingham stepped up to the plate when his nation needed him most.
The 23-year-old’s double secured the Three Lions’ place in the World Cup – highlighting his clutch ability to provide the goods in times of need and uncertainty.
However, the Reds do have numerous top-level operators within their senior ranks, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch the two mainstays at the base of the midfield.
The aforementioned duo played a key role alongside one another during the title-winning campaign – but concerns have been raised about their long-term futures after last season.
The same can’t be said for Dominik Szoboszlai, with the Hungarian international often the shining light within the senior ranks during a dismal campaign under Slot’s guidance.
His tally of 25 combined goals and assists across all competitions was the most of any player on Merseyside – often finding the back of the net with long-range free-kicks.
Such a trio was the most familiar partnership at the heart of the Reds squad last term, but that’s not to say Iraola won’t want to put his own stamp on proceedings throughout 2026/27.
Liverpool could sign their own Bellingham
Iraola’s appointment as Liverpool boss presents a fresh start for the club and the players in their attempts to secure Premier League glory once again.
After last summer’s spending spree, it would be a surprise to see mammoth sums being spent on players, with the Spaniard needing to work his magic with the vast majority of options on the books.
However, that’s not to say bargain and high-potential additions can’t be made in the process, which could see Gilberto Mora complete his own move to Merseyside.
It’s been reported this weekend by Football Insider that the Reds are preparing an opening offer for the 17-year-old who featured four times for Mexico at the World Cup.
|
Gilberto Mora – World Cup stats for Mexico |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
4 |
|
Minutes played |
215 |
|
Pass accuracy |
91% |
|
Chances created |
2.1 |
|
Cross accuracy |
28% |
|
Shots taken |
2.1 |
|
Touches in 18-yard box |
3.4 |
|
Fouls won |
1.3 |
Their report states that the likes of PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also pondering moves for the Club Tijuana attacking midfielder before the window closes. Previous reports have indicated that talks over a £34m move to the Reds is already underway.
Whilst it’s unclear how much would be needed to secure the teenager’s signature, it’s a move Iraola’s men desperately need to complete during the ongoing market.
Despite his tender age, Mora has already sent seismic waves throughout Mexican football, subsequently scoring six times in his 20 appearances for his boyhood club last term.
Even at the ongoing World Cup, he managed to catch the eye, with his underlying stats highlighting his remarkable and unthinkable talent for a 17-year-old.
Mora, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by tactical analyst Alfred Frank, created a staggering 2.1 chances per 90 – the most of any player in the Mexican squad.
The aforementioned figure also places him in the top 8% of all attackers in the tournament – subsequently highlighting his phenomenal ability to create carnage in forward areas.
He also managed to complete 91% of the passes he attempted, whilst achieving a 28% cross accuracy rate – both placing him in the top 25% of all players at the competition.
Such numbers are unheard of for a player of his tender age, with his immediate rise and impact on the professional game similar to that of Bellingham during his time at Birmingham City.
The Englishman developed through the youth ranks of his boyhood club before his big-money move to Borussia Dortmund – something which Mora will hope to emulate this summer.
However, Liverpool and Iraola must now work tirelessly to secure his signature in the months ahead to avoid missing out on him to one of Europe’s elite.
At just 17, Mora has his whole future ahead of him and could well turn out to be one of the world’s best players if he remains on his current trajectory in the years ahead.