Kylian Mbappé has revealed Liverpool were serious contenders to sign him as a teenager, with Jürgen Klopp personally presenting his plans to the French forward during talks in 2017.
Mbappé was emerging as one of European football’s biggest talents at Monaco when Liverpool entered the race. His mother was particularly enthusiastic about the possibility after visiting Merseyside and experiencing Anfield.
The striker ultimately chose Paris Saint-Germain, but he has now explained just how realistic a Liverpool move became.
Klopp personally pitched Liverpool project to Mbappé
Speaking to The Athletic, Mbappé confirmed Liverpool were more than simply admirers.
“Yes, I was close to Liverpool,” he said. “My mum was a big fan of Jürgen Klopp and the favourite destination for my mum was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there.”
His mother travelled to Liverpool during the early stages of negotiations, visiting the city and stadium while meeting people at the club.
“She went to Anfield and fell in love with it,” Mbappé explained.
Klopp then held his own discussions with the forward. Mbappé recalled sitting on a private plane with the German manager as they circled above the south of France while Klopp explained his Liverpool project.
Mbappé needed little introduction to the club or manager.
“You don’t need to convince me,” he recalled telling Klopp. “You’re Jürgen Klopp, it’s Liverpool, a great club.”
Why Mbappé ultimately chose PSG
Despite Liverpool making a strong impression, Mbappé had several options available following his breakthrough at Monaco.
The decisive factor was ultimately the opportunity to return to his hometown.
“For me, born and raised in Paris, there was no better feeling than to show I could be a star in my home town,” he explained.
Mbappé initially joined PSG on loan before completing a permanent €180million transfer.
He went on to win six Ligue 1 titles and reached the 2020 Champions League final before eventually joining Real Madrid in 2024.
Liverpool therefore came considerably closer to signing one of the defining players of his generation than might have appeared at the time, but Mbappé's connection to Paris ultimately proved stronger than even Klopp's personal pitch.
Key points
- Kylian Mbappé confirmed he was “close” to joining Liverpool in 2017.
- Jürgen Klopp personally explained his plans to Mbappé during talks on a private plane.
- Mbappé's mother strongly favoured Liverpool after visiting Anfield.
- The forward ultimately chose hometown club Paris Saint-Germain.
- Mbappé later joined Real Madrid in 2024 after a trophy-filled spell in Paris.
What’s next?
Mbappé’s account offers fresh detail on one of Liverpool’s biggest transfer what-ifs from the Klopp era.
Liverpool ultimately built a Champions League and Premier League-winning side without him, while Mbappé became PSG’s superstar before continuing his career with Real Madrid.
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