Klopp Reveals How Close Liverpool Came to Signing Kylian MbappéFormer Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has shared a remarkable story about just how close the Reds came to signing Kylian Mbappé before the French superstar joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.Liverpool identified Mbappé as a top target after his stunning breakthrough season with Monaco, where he helped the club win the Ligue 1 title. Although Real Madrid and Arsenal were also in the race, PSG ultimately secured his signature in a deal worth around £166 million.Speaking to MagentaTV, Klopp revealed that Liverpool made an extraordinary effort to convince Mbappé to move to Anfield.> “It was the most expensive non-transfer we ever invested in,” Klopp said. “We flew from Blackpool to Nice, where the entire Mbappé family joined us on a private jet. We spent time talking, sharing a meal, and flying in circles so we wouldn’t be seen. It was an incredible experience—but in the end, he chose Paris.”Mbappé later confirmed that discussions with Liverpool did take place. In a 2022 interview, he admitted the club held special significance because it was his mother’s favourite team.> “We talked a little. Liverpool is my mum’s favourite club, and we met them when I was at Monaco. It’s a huge club,” Mbappé said.Journalist Melissa Reddy also revealed that Liverpool had been tracking Mbappé long before his breakthrough, but acknowledged the financial challenge of competing with PSG and Real Madrid. She added that Mbappé’s mother was particularly interested in the move to Anfield.Reports from L’Équipe later claimed Liverpool made another ambitious attempt to sign Mbappé in 2022, reportedly submitting a €200 million bid and even reaching a verbal agreement before the deal collapsed. Instead, the French forward eventually completed his long-anticipated move to Real Madrid in 2024.Klopp’s latest revelation highlights just how close Liverpool came to landing one of football’s biggest superstars before financial realities and fierce competition saw the dream slip away.PreviousChelsea Enter the Race for Dušan Vlahović, Dealing Tottenham a Major Transfer BlowBe the first to commentLeave a ReplyYour email address will not be published.Comment
