Kylian Mbappe has revealed more details on his transfer talks with Liverpool back in 2017 when he came close to joining the club, but his admiration for Jurgen Klopp has not diminished since then
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 09: Kylian Mbappe of France and Jurgen Klopp are seen after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappe held talks with Jurgen Klopp about joining Liverpool before joining Paris Saint-Germain(Image: Getty Images)
Now perhaps the world’s best player, it is incredible to think that Liverpool was once a serious consideration for Kylian Mbappe.
The story of the meetings on the private jet was already common knowledge, although it’s maybe only after Jurgen Klopp and Mbappe himself have spoken out on the process this year that fans have come to realize just how close the Reds were to landing the now-Real Madrid superstar.
Mbappe was lining up a move after attracting plenty of attention at Monaco back in 2017, and Liverpool was in the running for his signature. Klopp would hold direct talks with him on FSG chief John Henry’s jet, but the forward would end up choosing Paris Saint-Germain instead.
Lifting the lid on those meetings, Mbappe has now told The Athletic: "It was while I was playing in Monaco. I had to take a decision. And yes, I was close to Liverpool.
“My mom was a big fan of Jurgen Klopp and the favorite destination for my mom was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there.
"I didn’t listen because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. I didn’t want to leave my country before I was someone.
Monaco's French midfielder Thomas Lemar (C) celebrates with Monaco's French forward Kylian Mbappe (R) after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match Monaco (ASM) vs Bastia (SCB) on December 3, 2016 at the "Louis II Stadium" in Monaco. (Photo by VALERY HACHE / AFP via Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappe held talks with Liverpool as he lined up a move away from Monaco(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
"But yes, my mom was always saying, ‘Liverpool — you’re going to be there, playing at Anfield, it’s going to be insane for you.’ I was like, ‘OK!’
"She went there (for) the first step of the negotiations. She went to the city, the stadium, she met the people. She was like, ‘It’s a wonderful club, everybody’s so kind, it’s a family club, a big club.'"
As well as his mother’s love for the Reds, it’s clear that Mbappe’s admiration for Klopp would have played a big part in him considering a move to Liverpool.
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Despite turning down the German boss’ advances, the pair have clearly maintained a good relationship over the years, as made evident by their exchange after France’s win over Morocco during the summer’s World Cup.
Mbappe’s respect for Klopp and Liverpool was clear back in 2020, at which point the Reds were at the height of their powers under their legendary boss, having won the Champions League the year before and on the way to the Premier League title.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Mbappe said: "What Liverpool do in this moment is amazing. They're like a machine, they've found a rhythm and are like, 'We play again, we play again.' They've lost zero games.
Jurgen Klopp and Kylian Mbappe
Klopp and Mbappe have maintained a good relationship despite the latter deciding against a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"When you watch, you think everything's easy, but that's not easy. The guys are focused, they play games every three days, and they win, they win, they win.
"Now the problem is that everybody watches Liverpool, and everybody watches what we can do against them, so now they have to show they are strong again, but it's a very good team with a very good manager."
Now in Madrid, it feels as though the ship has now sailed on Mbappe ever joining Liverpool, and it looks doubtful that he will ever get the chance to play under Klopp. Should the opportunity arise, though, you wouldn’t bet on the Frenchman turning him down again.