Klopp reveals Liverpool’s failed Mbappe pursuit before PSG move

Jürgen Klopp’s revelation about Liverpool’s failed attempt to sign Kylian Mbappé in 2017 offers a rare glimpse into the club’s high-stakes transfer strategy during his tenure. Speaking as a pundit for Magenta TV ahead of France’s World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, Klopp described how Liverpool pulled out all the stops in a private jet from Blackpool to Nice, only for the striker to choose Paris Saint-Germain instead. The episode underscores the challenges of competing with PSG’s financial muscle and Mbappé’s eventual decision to remain in Ligue 1 before his later move to Real Madrid.

Klopp’s lavish pitch and Mbappé’s Parisian pivot

Klopp’s account reveals a meticulously planned recruitment drive that bordered on theatrical. He described how Liverpool’s delegation, including club executives, met Mbappé and his family on a private jet with multiple rooms during a flight that circled Nice to avoid detection. “We really went all out,” Klopp said. “Then we flew around in a circle, talked with the family, ate good food…” The gesture, while extravagant, failed to sway Mbappé, who opted for PSG after months of speculation. The French striker’s eventual move to the capital in 2017 marked the end of Liverpool’s pursuit, leaving Klopp’s side to regroup and focus on other targets.

The failed bid also coincided with a pivotal moment in Mbappé’s career. By the time he joined PSG, he was already a Ballon d’Or nominee and a World Cup winner, having announced himself as a global superstar during Monaco’s Champions League run. His decision to stay in Ligue 1—before later joining Real Madrid—highlighted the shifting dynamics of European football, where financial incentives and sporting ambition often collide. Klopp’s admission now provides context to Liverpool’s transfer philosophy during their title-winning seasons, where pragmatism often trumped headline-grabbing gambles.

Mbappé’s World Cup theatrics overshadow Klopp’s return

Mbappé’s on-field dominance in France’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco added another layer to his legacy, but it also served as a reminder of the player Klopp once tried to sign. The France captain, who scored and assisted in the victory, walked off with an ice pack on his ankle, fueling brief concerns about his fitness ahead of the semi-final. His penalty miss early in the match—saved by Morocco’s Yassine Bounou—was a rare blemish in an otherwise flawless performance, but his composed finish and third assist of the tournament reaffirmed his status as the competition’s most influential forward.

The result also provided an unexpected backdrop to Klopp’s own career trajectory. Days after his Mbappé revelations, reports emerged that he is the overwhelming favorite to replace Julian Nagelsmann as Germany’s head coach, a role that could see him face Mbappé’s France in the Euro 2028 semi-finals. Klopp confirmed he has already been approached by the German FA, though he stressed that contractual obligations with Red Bull will require careful negotiation. “Things moved pretty quickly,” he said. “The DFB are looking for a successor. And they’re talking to me.” The potential appointment would mark a dramatic shift from club football, but it also ties Klopp’s legacy to a new generation of players, including Mbappé.

The transfer market’s shifting sands

Liverpool’s Mbappé pursuit reflects a broader trend in modern football, where clubs must balance ambition with financial reality. PSG’s ability to outbid rivals for Mbappé in 2017 set a precedent that has since shaped transfer strategies across Europe. Even Klopp, known for his shrewd dealings in the market, admitted that Liverpool’s efforts were ultimately futile. “The most expensive non-transfer we invested in,” he quipped, a line that underscores the unpredictability of elite player recruitment.

This dynamic is not unique to Liverpool. Recent managerial appointments, such as Andoni Iraola’s £34m Liverpool transfer trick at Brentford, show how clubs now prioritize data-driven recruitment over high-profile gambles. Iraola’s approach mirrors Klopp’s emphasis on squad depth and tactical flexibility, a strategy that has yielded success without relying on marquee signings. Meanwhile, Klopp’s potential move to Germany adds another layer to this narrative, as his successor at Liverpool will inherit a squad built on principles he helped instill.

For Mbappé, the story is one of destiny fulfilled. From Monaco to PSG to Real Madrid, his career has been defined by calculated risks and high stakes. Klopp’s revelations serve as a footnote to that journey, but they also highlight the fine margins that separate success from near-misses in football’s transfer market.

As Mbappé continues his pursuit of World Cup glory and Klopp eyes a return to management, their paths may yet cross in ways neither could have predicted. For Liverpool, the lesson is clear: even the most meticulous plans can unravel when faced with the financial might of Europe’s superclubs.