Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that the club came close to signing Kylian Mbappe in 2017, when the French star was still at Monaco. Speaking during MagentaTV's coverage of France's 2026 World Cup quarter-final win over Morocco, Klopp detailed the extraordinary efforts Liverpool made to secure the forward.
"We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the entire Mbappe family boarded a private jet with five rooms or something. We really went all out. Then we flew around in a circle, talked with the family, ate good food. It was fantastic. And then he went to Paris," Klopp said.
Mbappe's Career Path
Mbappe ultimately signed for Paris Saint-Germain instead of Liverpool. He later joined Real Madrid, where he has scored 86 goals in 103 appearances. At the 2026 World Cup, he leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
The revelation comes as Liverpool prepare for a summer of transition under new manager Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot. The club has only signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna so far, but further moves are expected.
Moses Simon's Failed Liverpool Move
Paris FC winger Moses Simon has also spoken about a near-move to Liverpool. The 30-year-old Nigerian international told Urban Dwell Sport that Liverpool wanted to sign him between 2016 and 2018.
"Liverpool wanted to sign me, I think Hull City, Fulham, Brighton, Tottenham, and Lyon also. We played against them in the Europa League in 2017. But, you know, when you read all this in the newspapers, some are true while some are rumours. So the first year, I didn't make it. I didn't get a transfer. The second year, I was supposed to go to Liverpool. It didn't work," Simon said.
Simon admitted the failed move affected his form: "In my head, I was like, 'Is it the agent or the club? I don't want to play.' So I was putting it in my head: 'Whether I play or I don't play, I don't care.'"
Liverpool's Current Transfer Activity
Liverpool's pre-season begins next week as most players report back. The club has yet to make major signings under Iraola, but expectations are that spending will increase. The Reds are focusing on strengthening their squad after a quiet window so far.
