Klopp reveals private jet and feast used to woo Mbappé
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has offered a fascinating insight into the extraordinary lengths the club went to in their bid to sign Kylian Mbappé back in 2017, describing it as the “most expensive non-transfer” they ever invested in.
Speaking as a pundit for Magenta TV ahead of France's World Cup quarter‑final win over Morocco, Klopp – relaxed and in reflective mood – painted a picture of a private jet circling over the Mediterranean with a five‑bed cabin while he and his staff tried to sell the Anfield dream to the teenage sensation and his family.
“We really went all out. Then we flew around in a circle, talked with the family, ate good food,” Klopp said. “We flew in a circle. It was fantastic. And then he went to Paris.”
The German explained that Liverpool chartered a flight from Blackpool to Nice, where Mbappé – then an 18‑year‑old star at Monaco – and his entire family boarded. Determined to avoid any media attention, the plane circled for the duration of the talks, but ultimately the effort proved fruitless.
The “most expensive non‑transfer” in Liverpool history
Klopp’s candid recollections highlight just how close Liverpool came to landing one of the greatest talents of his generation. The Reds had identified Mbappé as the perfect long‑term successor to their fabled front three, and they were prepared to break their transfer structure to get him.
The meeting happened at a time when Europe’s elite clubs were circling. Mbappé had just torched Ligue 1 with 15 goals in 29 appearances, helping Monaco to a stunning title win and a run to the Champions League semi‑finals. His pace, composure and finishing had already drawn comparisons with a young Thierry Henry.
“The entire Mbappé family boarded a private jet with five rooms or something,” Klopp recalled with a grin. The forward is represented by his mother, Fayza Lamari, who runs a consulting company for professional footballers, making the family‑first approach essential.
Despite the charm offensive, Mbappé opted to join Paris Saint‑Germain, initially on loan before a permanent move worth €180 million (£153 million). He would go on to spend seven years in the French capital, becoming the club’s all‑time leading scorer and collecting five Ligue 1 titles before his 2024 switch to Real Madrid.
What might have been at Anfield
Liverpool’s pursuit of Mbappé was no secret at the time – the player himself later admitted the Reds “made him dream” – but Klopp’s timeline underscores just how close they came. Had the deal materialised, Anfield would have witnessed a devastating forward line of Mbappé, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, with Roberto Firmino in support.
Instead, Mbappé’s career path turned toward Paris, where he honed his craft under the brightest of spotlights. The break‑up of that potential Liverpool trident was inevitable, but the thought of it nevertheless tantalises fans who now watch the 27‑year‑old captain France at the World Cup.
Only this week, Mbappé produced another moment of magic, scoring a stunning opener and laying on a second as France beat Morocco 2‑0 to reach the semi‑finals. His World Cup tally now stands at eight goals – level with Lionel Messi in the all‑time list – and the narrative of his personal duel with the Argentine great has become the defining storyline of the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Klopp’s revelation: Liverpool chartered a five‑room private jet, flew from Blackpool to Nice and circled mid‑air to avoid prying eyes while meeting Kylian Mbappé and his family in 2017.
- Record‑breaking bid: The German calls it the “most expensive non‑transfer” in the club’s history, underlining how serious their interest was.
- Mbappé chose PSG: Despite Liverpool’s charm offensive, the forward joined Paris Saint‑Germain on an initial loan that became a €180 million permanent deal.
- World Cup context: Klopp’s comments came as Mbappé fired France into the 2026 semi‑finals, continuing his remarkable tournament form.
- Legacy intact: Even without Mbappé, Klopp delivered a Champions League and Premier League title during his nine‑year Anfield tenure.
Quick Facts
Player: Kylian Mbappé
Age at time of Liverpool interest: 18
Club at time: Monaco
Move to PSG: 2017 (initial loan, €180m permanent option)
PSG career: 2017–2024, all‑time top scorer, 5 Ligue 1 titles
Current club: Real Madrid (since 2024)
World Cup 2026: 8 goals, semi‑finalist with France