Jurgen Klopp Reveals Liverpool’s Lavish Private Jet Attempt to Sign Kylian Mbappe in 2017
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp disclosed that the club went to great lengths—including hiring a private jet and offering luxury hospitality—to try to secure Kylian Mbappe’s signature in 2017, but the French teenager ultimately chose Paris Saint‑Germain.
Klopp described the pursuit as Liverpool’s “most expensive non‑transfer,” recalling how a flight was arranged from Blackpool to Nice, where Mbappe and his family joined the aircraft for private discussions.
He said they flew in a circle, enjoyed good food, and spoke with the player’s relatives, hoping to keep the meeting out of the public eye.
Despite the extravagant effort, Mbappe remained unmoved and later joined PSG on an initial loan deal that included an option to make the transfer permanent for €180 million.
The move launched a stellar seven‑year spell in Paris, during which he became the club’s all‑time leading scorer before transferring to Real Madrid in 2024.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Klopp added, “We flew in a circle. It was fantastic. And then he went to Paris.”
Klopp departed Liverpool in 2024 after a trophy‑laden nine‑year tenure that delivered both the Premier League and Champions League titles, and is now widely tipped to become the next head coach of the German national team.
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