Jurgen Klopp has shared the remarkable story of Liverpool’s ambitious attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe, which included a private jet trip and a lavish meal, but ultimately ended with the French forward choosing Paris Saint-Germain.
The Real Madrid striker has been one of the standout stars of this summer’s World Cup, netting eight goals in six appearances for France. However, Klopp has now disclosed that Mbappe’s career could have taken a dramatically different path.
Following Mbappe’s stunning performance that helped France defeat Morocco and secure a place in the World Cup semi-finals, Klopp revealed the extraordinary efforts Liverpool made to attract the then 17-year-old to Anfield.
Speaking to Magenta TV, Klopp recalled: “With Mbappe, it was before he went to Paris. It was probably the most expensive non-transfer Liverpool ever made.”
He continued, “We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the entire Mbappe family boarded a private jet with five cabins.”
Klopp added that Liverpool went all out in their pursuit, saying: “We really went big. Then we circled around and had a wonderful meal. We weren’t allowed to be seen anywhere.”
He concluded with a laugh: “It was fantastic – and then he went to Paris.”
Mbappe, who was 20 at the time, joined PSG on an initial one-year loan deal before the French club completed a permanent transfer worth £153 million (€180 million) a year later.
That same summer, Liverpool signed Mohamed Salah for £36.5 million instead. Salah went on to become one of the club’s greatest players, scoring 257 goals in 442 appearances.
During his seven years at PSG, Mbappe scored 256 goals before sealing his move to Real Madrid in 2024.
Currently, Mbappe leads the race for the World Cup Golden Boot with eight goals, level with Lionel Messi and one ahead of Erling Haaland, who has seven. His total of 20 World Cup goals places him just one behind Messi’s all-time record of 21.
Meanwhile, Klopp is tipped to take over as head coach of the German national team after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down following Germany’s round of 32 defeat to Paraguay.
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