Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has revealed details of an elaborate attempt to sign Kylian Mbappé from Monaco in 2017, a move that ultimately failed with the player joining Paris Saint-Germain. The revelation came during commentary for Magenta TV following France’s World Cup quarter-final victory over Morocco, where Klopp recounted a personal interaction with Mbappé and his mother, a known Liverpool supporter.
According to L’Équipe, Klopp described the effort as “the transfer non-abouti in which we invested the most.” The attempt involved a private jet journey from Blackpool to Nice, where Klopp and his staff met with Mbappé’s family. He detailed a clandestine operation to avoid public attention, stating they kept the aircraft in a holding pattern while conducting negotiations.
“We really did it in style,” Klopp explained, adding that they spoke with the family and shared a meal during the flight. Despite the extensive efforts, Mbappé ultimately opted for a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2017, which later became a permanent transfer in 2018 for a reported €180 million.
At the time of the attempted transfer, Mbappé was rapidly establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents following a breakthrough season with Monaco, where he helped the club win Ligue 1 and reach the Champions League semi-finals. Liverpool were in a period of rebuilding under Klopp, seeking to add star power to their attack, and Mbappé was identified as a key target. The failed pursuit highlights the competitive landscape of elite European football and the challenges of securing top players.
Mbappé has since become a pivotal figure for both PSG and the French national team, consistently ranking among the world’s best players. The revelation offers a glimpse into Liverpool’s transfer strategy under Klopp and underscores their ambition to compete at the highest level.
