Jurgen Klopp has disclosed how Liverpool attempted to sign Kylian Mbappe from Monaco in 2017 by flying the striker and his family on a private jet, before Mbappe ultimately chose Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking as a pundit for Magenta TV during the 2026 World Cup, Klopp described the effort as the 'most expensive non-transfer' the club ever invested in.
Klopp Details the Extraordinary Recruitment Effort
Klopp explained that the Liverpool delegation flew from Blackpool to Nice, where the entire Mbappe family boarded a private jet equipped with five rooms. The plane then circled in the air to avoid being seen, during which the family dined and held discussions. Despite the elaborate pitch, Mbappe opted to join PSG. Klopp remarked: 'We really went all out. Then we flew around in a circle, talked with the family, ate good food... And then he went to Paris!'
Mbappe's World Cup Performance and Klopp's Future
Klopp was seen embracing Mbappe after the striker scored France's opening goal in a 2-0 win over Morocco, securing France's place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Klopp is in talks to become the next Germany manager following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation after Germany's round-of-32 defeat to Paraguay. Klopp confirmed: 'Yes, I can confirm the talks. Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor. And they're talking to me.' He added that he must also negotiate with his current employer, Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff, but expects no obstacles.
