Former Reds Manager Details High-Profile Recruitment Effort
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed the remarkable lengths the club went to in an attempt to sign Kylian Mbappé before the French forward completed his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
Speaking while working as a television pundit during the FIFA World Cup, Klopp described the unsuccessful pursuit as “the most expensive non-transfer” Liverpool had ever undertaken, highlighting the club’s determination to convince one of football’s brightest young talents to join the Premier League side.
Private Jet and Family Meeting Planned to Secure the Deal
According to Klopp, Liverpool arranged a private jet to fly Mbappé and his family from France for confidential discussions. The club also organized a private meeting and meal in an effort to present its long-term sporting project.
Klopp explained that the recruitment process was designed to remain out of the public eye, with Liverpool hoping to persuade the then 18-year-old Monaco star that uk/local/anfield/">Anfield was the ideal destination for his development.
Despite the extensive preparations, the negotiations failed to produce an agreement.
Mbappé Chose Paris Saint-Germain
Instead of moving to Liverpool, Mbappé joined Paris Saint-Germain on an initial loan deal that later became a permanent transfer worth approximately 180 Million.
During his seven-year spell in Paris, the France international established himself as one of the world’s elite footballers, becoming PSG’s all-time leading scorer before completing a move to Real Madrid in 2024.
Reflecting on the experience, Klopp recalled the disappointment of seeing the transfer slip away after what he described as an unforgettable meeting with the player’s family.
Klopp’s Liverpool Legacy
Klopp Managed Liverpool for nine years, transforming the club into one of Europe’s dominant teams. Under his leadership, the Reds won the UEFA Champions League and ended a 30-year wait for a league title by lifting the Premier League trophy.
Although Liverpool ultimately missed out on signing Mbappé, Klopp’s tenure is widely regarded as one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history, with his recruitment strategy helping build a squad that achieved sustained domestic and European success.
