Kylian Mbappé Reveals How Close He Came to Joining Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool

The 2017 Private Jet Recruitment Drive

Back in the summer of 2017, a then 18-year-old Kylian Mbappé was one of the most coveted young talents in world football following a breakout campaign with AS Monaco. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp moved aggressively to convince the teenage forward to anchor the club’s revamped attack. According to statements given by the player, Klopp arranged a direct meeting in a private jet to pitch the Merseyside project.

The recruitment pitch left a lasting impression on the young forward and his family. Mbappé publicly acknowledged that the meeting with the German coach carried significant weight during a period when multiple European heavyweights chased his signature. “I talked to Liverpool because it’s the favorite club of my mum, my mum loves Liverpool,” Mbappé stated, highlighting the personal connection that brought the Premier League club into the race.

Inside the Family Discussions With Jürgen Klopp

While negotiations advanced through back channels, the ultimate decision rested on sporting stability and long-term development. Mbappé explained that the environment built by Klopp at Anfield presented an appealing destination for any rising star. Describing the German manager as a “tollen Trainer” (great coach), the French international admitted that the prospect of playing under his guidance was genuinely tempting.

Despite the high-profile courting session involving the private aircraft, the transfer ultimately stalled as Paris Saint-Germain entered the fray. Mbappé remained in France, initially joining Paris Saint-Germain on loan before completing a permanent transfer that shaped the next chapter of his career.

Looking Back at What Might Have Been

The disclosure sheds new light on one of the great sliding-door moments in recent Premier League history. Instead, Mbappé continued his trajectory in Ligue 1 before making a high-profile move to Real Madrid, while Liverpool secured domestic and UEFA Champions League glory through alternative roster construction.

The revelation adds historical context to Liverpool’s aggressive transfer strategy under Fenway Sports Group, demonstrating the club’s capacity to engage the sport’s elite talents even before claiming major silverware under Klopp’s tenure. As Mbappé continues his career in Spain, the anecdote remains a fascinating footnote on a recruitment drive that came remarkably close to changing the landscape of English football.