KLOPP REVEALS LIVERPOOL LAID ON PRIVATE JET FOR MBAPPE

Jurgen Klopp has disclosed that Liverpool organised a private jet and laid on food for Kylian Mbappe and his family in an unsuccessful attempt to recruit the striker before he joined Paris St-Germain in 2017. Klopp, speaking as a pundit for Magenta TV at the World Cup, described the effort as the "most expensive non-transfer" the club had invested in whilst courting the then-Monaco forward. The German manager explained that a flight was arranged from Blackpool to Nice, where Mbappe's family boarded a private jet with multiple rooms, and the group flew in a circle whilst discussing terms over food.

The recruitment bid took place in secret, as Liverpool sought to avoid public attention during negotiations with Mbappe's representatives. Mbappe's mother, who runs a consulting company for professional footballers, managed his interests at the time. Klopp stated that despite the club's efforts, the talks ultimately proved unsuccessful, with no agreement reached.

Mbappe proceeded to join PSG on loan with an option to make the move permanent for 180 million euros (£153 million). He spent seven years at the French club, becoming their record goal scorer before transferring to Real Madrid in 2024. Klopp departed Liverpool in 2024 after nine years managing the club, during which he secured a Champions League title and a Premier League title.