Jurgen Klopp has disclosed how Liverpool attempted to persuade Kylian Mbappe and his family to join the club by flying them on a lavish private jet, circling to avoid detection, before the striker ultimately moved to Paris Saint-Germain.
Klopp Details the Secret Meeting
Speaking as a pundit for Magenta TV during the World Cup, Klopp revealed the extent of Liverpool's efforts. He said: "The most expensive non-transfer we invested in. We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the entire Mbappe family boarded a private jet with five rooms or something."
Klopp continued: "We really went all out. Then we flew around in a circle, talked with the family, ate good food..." When asked why the plane circled, Klopp explained: "We couldn't be seen. We flew in a circle. It was fantastic. And then he went to Paris!"
Mbappe's Rise to Stardom
Mbappe, now 27, has become one of Europe's deadliest strikers, first at PSG and then at Real Madrid. His talent was evident early on at Monaco, attracting interest from top clubs including Liverpool. Despite the Reds' charm offensive, Mbappe chose PSG in 2017.
Klopp's Potential Return to Management
Klopp, who embraced Mbappe after France's 2-0 World Cup win over Morocco, is now the overwhelming favourite to succeed Julian Nagelsmann as Germany head coach. After taking a non-coaching role with Red Bull as Head of Global Soccer, Klopp confirmed talks with the German FA (DFB).
"Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor. And they're talking to me," Klopp said. "What needs to happen now? Time. I'm under contract with Red Bull. I've said I'm interested in the talks. They will be intensive because this isn't only about Julian Nagelsmann."
Klopp added: "I have an existing contract with Red Bull. I've said many times how much I enjoy this job. As a person, I usually honour contracts. But I've also made it clear that I'm interested in talks with the DFB."
