Klopp Recounts Liverpool’s Elaborate Pursuit of Mbappe
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has shared a fascinating story about the club’s failed attempt to sign French striker Kylian Mbappe in 2017. In an interview, Klopp revealed the extent of Liverpool’s efforts to bring the highly coveted player to Anfield.

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The German manager explained that Liverpool laid on a private jet and catered for Mbappe and his family in an attempt to convince them to join the Reds. Klopp stated that this was the ‘most expensive non-transfer’ the club had invested in, showcasing the level of commitment Liverpool had towards signing the then-Monaco forward.
Klopp also revealed that the club flew a private jet from Blackpool to Nice in France, where they hosted the Mbappe family. The private jet had five rooms, indicating the luxurious nature of the arrangement. However, despite the elaborate efforts, the meeting proved fruitless, and Mbappe eventually joined Paris St-Germain on loan in 2017 with an option to make the move permanent for €180 million (£153 million).
Klopp’s account provides a glimpse into the high-stakes world of transfer negotiations, where clubs are willing to go to great lengths to secure top talent. The story highlights the determination and resources that Liverpool invested in their pursuit of Mbappe, even though the deal ultimately fell through.
The failed attempt to sign Mbappe is a reminder of the intense competition in the transfer market and the lengths that clubs are willing to go to in order to strengthen their squads. Liverpool’s efforts to sign Mbappe were a significant investment of time, money, and resources, but ultimately, the player chose to join PSG instead.
Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool was marked by significant success, including a Champions League title and a Premier League title. However, the failed attempt to sign Mbappe remains a notable chapter in his time at the club. The German manager is currently working as a pundit for Magenta TV at the World Cup, providing analysis and commentary on the tournament.
As the transfer market continues to evolve and become increasingly competitive, the story of Liverpool’s pursuit of Mbappe serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense competition that exist in the world of football transfers.
Klopp’s account provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of a football club’s transfer strategy and the lengths that they are willing to go to in order to secure top talent. The story of Liverpool’s failed attempt to sign Mbappe is a reminder that even the most ambitious and well-resourced clubs can fall short in their pursuit of top players.
In the end, Mbappe’s decision to join PSG marked a turning point in his career, and he went on to become the club’s record goal scorer before leaving for Real Madrid in 2024. The story of Liverpool’s pursuit of Mbappe serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that exist in the world of football transfers.
The failed attempt to sign Mbappe also highlights the importance of having a well-planned and executed transfer strategy in place. Liverpool’s efforts to sign Mbappe were a significant investment of time, money, and resources, but ultimately, the player chose to join PSG instead.
Klopp’s account provides a valuable lesson for football clubs and managers, highlighting the importance of having a clear understanding of a player’s motivations and needs. The story of Liverpool’s pursuit of Mbappe serves as a reminder that even the most ambitious and well-resourced clubs can fall short in their pursuit of top players.