Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has disclosed the significant lengths the club went to in an attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe in 2016. Klopp, speaking while covering a World Cup quarter-final match for German television, detailed how Liverpool sent a delegation to meet with the then-Monaco teenager and his family.
Klopp described the operation as "the most expensive non-transfer that we invested in." The plan involved flying from Blackpool to Nice, where Mbappe and his family boarded a private jet. The team then conducted their pitch during a circular flight to avoid being seen, as tapping up players from rival clubs was a sensitive issue.
Despite Liverpool's efforts, Mbappe ultimately chose to join Paris Saint-Germain from Monaco, initially on loan, with PSG later completing a deal reportedly worth £165 million. Mbappe has since achieved global superstardom, including winning the World Cup with France in 2018 and reaching the final in 2022.
Klopp, who is reportedly in discussions to become the new manager of the German national team, holds no ill will towards Mbappe. The two shared a warm moment after a recent World Cup match, with Mbappe approaching Klopp on the sidelines. Klopp was seen blowing a kiss to Mbappe's family, a gesture that may have alluded to their past, albeit unsuccessful, meeting.
Mbappe has continued to perform at a high level on the world stage. In the recent World Cup match between France and Morocco, he scored the opening goal and assisted another, securing France's place in the semi-finals. His goal in that match brought him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot, with a total of 20 goals in 20 World Cup games.
