Klopp Reveals Liverpool's Bold Attempt to Sign Mbappe via Private Jet in 2016

During the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, acting as a commentator for German Magenta TV, disclosed how Liverpool nearly signed Kylian Mbappe in 2016. At the time, Mbappe was a promising teenager at Monaco, attracting interest from Europe's top clubs. Liverpool, supported by Klopp, sent a delegation to France to persuade Mbappe and his family to join the English club.

Klopp recounted that Liverpool's effort was their most expensive failed transfer attempt. The club flew from Blackpool to Nice, where Mbappe's entire family boarded a luxurious private jet with multiple rooms. To avoid detection due to regulations against contacting contracted players, Liverpool kept the operation secret by conducting discussions while the plane circled in the air. Klopp described the experience as extravagant and memorable.

Ultimately, Mbappe chose Paris Saint-Germain, initially joining on loan before PSG completed a €180 million transfer. Despite the unsuccessful bid, Klopp holds no grudge. After France's victory over Morocco, Mbappe approached Klopp near the sidelines, and the two shared a warm moment, with Klopp even blowing a kiss to Mbappe's family, honoring Mbappe's statement that his mother is a Liverpool fan.

Klopp is reportedly in talks to become Germany's national team coach following Julian Nagelsmann's departure after the World Cup.