Klopp Details Liverpool’s Elaborate, Unsuccessful Attempt to Sign Kylian Mbappe

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed the extraordinary lengths the club went to in an attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe a decade ago. The Reds laid on a private jet and hosted Mbappe and his family in a bid to lure the then-Monaco forward to Anfield.

Klopp described the effort as the “most expensive non-transfer” the club had undertaken, highlighting the significant investment in courting the young talent. The German, speaking as a pundit for Magenta TV during the World Cup, recounted the elaborate plan which ultimately proved fruitless.

An Attempt to Cirle the Globe

The pursuit involved a flight from Blackpool to Nice, France, where the entire Mbappe family boarded a private jet. Klopp shared that they “flew around in a circle” for hours, engaging in discussions with the family over food, all while attempting to remain discreet.

“We really went all out. Then we flew around in a circle, talked with the family, ate good food,” Klopp explained. Despite the extensive efforts and the quality of the hospitality, Mbappe eventually opted to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

Mbappe’s Career Trajectory

The French superstar’s career has since seen him become a global icon. After his move to PSG, he spent seven years at the club, establishing himself as their record goal scorer before his highly anticipated transfer to Real Madrid in 2024.

Klopp, who managed Liverpool for nine years, delivering a Champions League and a Premier League title, stepped down from his role in 2024. He is widely expected to take over as the head coach of the German national team.

The anecdote underscores the intense competition among top clubs for generational talents like Mbappe and the lengths managers and clubs will go to secure their signatures.

Key facts

This story is of interest to FootballGames10 readers as it provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a near-miss transfer involving one of the sport’s biggest stars. It highlights the strategic planning and high-stakes negotiations that are part of elite football recruitment, and how even significant efforts can fall short in securing a player of Mbappe’s caliber.

Source: BBC Sport Football – Klopp reveals how Liverpool tried to sign Mbappe (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cpd3052gjvxo)