Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has lifted the lid on one of football’s biggest transfer stories, revealing that the Reds came remarkably close to signing Kylian Mbappe before the French superstar launched his glittering career at the very top of the game.
Speaking while working as a television pundit during France’s World Cup quarter-final victory over Morocco, Klopp shared never-before-heard details about Liverpool’s ambitious attempt to convince a teenage Mbappe to move to Anfield back in 2016.
Liverpool Pulled Out All the Stops for the Teenage Sensation
At the time, Mbappe was emerging as one of Europe’s brightest young talents during his breakthrough campaign with Monaco.
With several elite clubs eager to secure his signature, Liverpool joined the race and prepared an extraordinary recruitment mission.
Klopp explained that the club arranged for him to meet Mbappe and his family aboard a private jet after flying from Blackpool to Nice.
Rather than holding discussions in a hotel or club offices, the meeting took place in the air to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
According to Klopp, the luxurious aircraft featured several rooms, allowing everyone to spend hours talking, sharing a meal, and discussing the youngster’s future while flying in circles above France.
A Secret Meeting Designed to Stay Out of the Spotlight
The unusual setting was no accident. Klopp admitted Liverpool wanted to keep the negotiations completely out of public view because of the sensitive nature of speaking with a player who was still under contract elsewhere.
Instead of landing and risking photographers or media attention, the aircraft remained airborne throughout the discussions, creating one of the most unconventional transfer meetings in recent football history.
Despite Liverpool’s efforts, Klopp acknowledged the club ultimately failed to persuade Mbappe to choose Merseyside.
Paris Saint-Germain Won the Race
Not long after the meeting, Mbappe decided his next destination would be Paris Saint-Germain.
The move initially came as a season-long loan before PSG completed a transfer worth around £165 million, making him one of the most expensive footballers ever signed.
That decision proved transformational. Mbappe quickly developed into one of the world’s biggest stars, helping France lift the 2018 FIFA World Cup, starring again during their run to the 2022 final, and continuing his remarkable record on the international stage.
World Cup Reunion Brings Back Old Memories
Nearly a decade after their failed transfer talks, Klopp and Mbappe shared a warm reunion following France’s latest World Cup victory.
After the final whistle, Mbappe walked over to greet the former Liverpool boss, with the pair exchanging hugs, smiles, and laughter on the touchline.
Klopp was also seen blowing a kiss toward members of Mbappe’s family after the forward encouraged him to acknowledge them, a gesture that appeared to remind both men of their memorable meeting years earlier.
Mbappe Continues to Rewrite World Cup History
France’s victory over Morocco once again showcased Mbappe’s influence on the biggest stage.
The forward opened the scoring before providing an assist for Ousmane Dembele as Didier Deschamps’ side secured a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
His goal also moved him level with Lionel Messi on eight goals in the tournament’s Golden Boot standings, while taking his remarkable World Cup tally to 20 goals in just 20 appearances.
Klopp’s Future Could Also Be About to Change
Although Klopp is no longer managing Liverpool, he remains one of football’s most respected figures.
Reports have linked the German with the national team job following Julian Nagelsmann’s departure after the World Cup, potentially setting up another high-profile chapter in his coaching career.
While Liverpool missed out on signing Mbappe years ago, Klopp’s latest revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into just how close one of football’s biggest “what if” transfer stories came to becoming reality.
