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Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has shared how close the Premier League club came to signing Kylian Mbappe before the French forward’s record-breaking move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. During a reunion with Mbappe at the World Cup, the German coach recounted chartering a private jet with five cabins for the player’s family as part of Liverpool’s ambitious yet unsuccessful recruitment attempt.

Klopp greets Mbappe’s mother

An emotional moment unfolded in Foxborough when Klopp, present as a MagentaTV pundit, watched the French team warming up before their match. Following France’s quarter-final win over Morocco, Klopp reunited with Mbappe and warmly waved to the striker’s mother, reviving memories of the past negotiations that never materialised.

Reflecting on those earlier efforts, Klopp admitted his lingering disappointment at being unable to sign several French stars despite multiple attempts. He said, “It’s really difficult for me. I’ve already negotiated with three of their players and never managed to sign any of them.” The players he referred to were Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Adrien Rabiot.

German details secret flight

Klopp went on to reveal the covert plan Liverpool executed to meet Mbappe discreetly in 2017. The club arranged a private flight from Blackpool to Nice, ensuring that the meeting remained completely hidden from the public and the press.

Recalling the ultra-secret journey with Mbappe’s family, Klopp said, “With Mbappe, it was before he joined Paris. That whole thing cost around €500 million — the most expensive non-transfer we’ve ever had. We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the entire Mbappe family boarded a private jet with five cabins. We flew around for a while, had a wonderful meal, and couldn’t be seen anywhere. It was an incredible experience — and then he went to Paris.”

Anfield misses superstar signing

Despite Liverpool’s lavish efforts, Mbappe eventually opted for a €180 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. His time in France, however, was not without challenges, as he reportedly faced internal tensions with teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar. Now 27, Mbappe has started a fresh chapter with Real Madrid, still chasing his dream of winning the UEFA Champions League. Ironically, PSG have lifted the European trophy twice in the two years since his departure.

Manager eyes Germany job

After stepping down from his Liverpool role in 2024, Klopp is currently relishing his stint as a football analyst while preparing for a managerial return. The 59-year-old is widely expected to succeed Julian Nagelsmann as head coach of the Germany national team after the ongoing major tournament in the United States concludes. Meanwhile, Mbappe continues to lead France’s charge at the World Cup, having guided Les Bleus into the semi-finals thanks to his goal that sealed victory over Morocco in the quarter-finals.