Jürgen Klopp reveals Liverpool's secret private jet bid for Kylian Mbappé
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Liverpool secretly flew Mbappé's family on a private jet during 2017 transfer talks.
- Klopp called the failed pursuit Liverpool's "most expensive non-transfer."
- Mbappé rejected Liverpool before completing a €180m move to PSG.
Speaking whilst working as a pundit for MagentaTV during the FIFA World Cup, Klopp recalled the elaborate operation that saw Liverpool arrange a private jet for Mbappé and his family in a bid to convince the teenage sensation to choose Anfield.
The German described it as the club's "most expensive non-transfer" after the deal ultimately slipped away.
Klopp reunited with Mbappé at the World Cup
Klopp's story resurfaced after he reunited with Mbappé during the World Cup, where the French forward was preparing for France's quarter-final against Morocco.The former Liverpool boss was seen greeting the Real Madrid star before also waving to Mbappé's mother, who manages the player's career through her football consultancy.
The meeting prompted Klopp to reflect on Liverpool's unsuccessful pursuit of several French internationals during his time at Anfield.
It's extremely tough for me right now. I've already negotiated with three of their players and never got them.Alongside Mbappé, Klopp revealed Liverpool also tried to recruit Ousmane Dembélé and Adrien Rabiot, but none of the deals materialised.
Liverpool planned a secret private jet meeting
Klopp then shared the remarkable details of Liverpool's covert meeting with Mbappé in 2017, when the striker was still starring for AS Monaco before completing his blockbuster move to PSG.Determined to keep negotiations away from public attention, Liverpool reportedly chartered a private jet from Blackpool to Nice.
From there, Mbappé and his family boarded a luxury aircraft featuring multiple private cabins before discussions took place high above France.
That was roughly €500 million - the most expensive non-transfer we've ever made.
We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the whole Mbappé family boarded a private jet with five cabins. Then we flew around in circles and had a delicious meal.
We weren't allowed to be seen. It was great - and then he went to Paris.
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Mbappé chose PSG instead
Despite Liverpool's impressive efforts, Mbappé ultimately opted to join PSG in a deal initially structured as a season-long loan before becoming a permanent €180 million transfer.The move transformed the French forward into one of world football's biggest stars.
During seven seasons in Paris, Mbappé became PSG's all-time leading goalscorer before leaving for Madrid in 2024.
Although his spell in France delivered numerous domestic honours, European success proved elusive before his departure.
Liverpool, meanwhile, continued their own rise under Klopp, winning both the Premier League and the Champions League despite missing out on one of football's brightest talents.
Klopp reflects on a transfer that never happened
Klopp's latest comments offer a rare glimpse into the lengths elite clubs will go to when pursuing generational talent.Whilst Liverpool's lavish charm offensive failed to persuade Mbappé, the former Reds manager recalled the experience with humour rather than regret, describing it as an unforgettable chapter in his time at Anfield.
For Liverpool supporters, it remains one of football's great "what if" stories - a transfer saga that came tantalisingly close but ultimately ended with Mbappé choosing Paris over Merseyside.
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