France star Kylian Mbappe was on the phone "every two hours" before a dramatic U-turn involving Liverpool, though Andoni Iraola's side might have found an upgrade anyway
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe almost joined Liverpool a decade ago
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe almost joined Liverpool a decade ago(Image: Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappe says he was "close" to signing for Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp was in charge of the Reds and he was leaving Monaco to sign for PSG as a teenager.
And he has since been involved in another Liverpool transfer decision in a way, helping to convince Ibrahima Konate that he should leave Anfield and make the switch to La Liga.
Konate, 27, left Liverpool at the expiry of his contract earlier this year. The French center-back has made a decent start under Jose Mourinho, and previously explained that Mbappe had been very keen for him to seal the move.
"He's calling me every two hours," said Konate last September when asked if Mbappe was putting pressure on him to join Madrid. The defender seemed to be joking, but his comments left Liverpool fans fearing the worst.
Konate then told reporters after Liverpool's win at Everton in April that he would be staying at Anfield.
"My future? To be fair, there are many things people have said, but for a long time we have spoken with the club, and we are close to an agreement," he explained.
Kylian Mbappe and Ibrahima Konate embrace during a France training session
Kylian Mbappe has given his thoughts on Ibrahima Konate joining Real Madrid this summer(Image: Getty Images)
"I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible, but we are in a good way. For sure, there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted.
"I’m waiting to sort the contract, but when everything is sorted, you will have to ask Richard (Hughes) what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
"When everything's going to be sorted, I wish you had a discussion with Richard and asked what I said to him a few months ago, before everyone talked about everything. When he’s going to reply, you will see. I just wish that."
A few weeks later, however, it was confirmed that Konate was leaving. He signed for Real Madrid, where he now plays alongside Mbappe and other French teammates, including Aurelien Tchouameni.
Content Image
Content Image
"I am deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game," Konate said when his departure was announced. "At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you."
Last weekend, Konate started as Real Madrid lost at Atletico Madrid in his first derby game. Dean Huijsen was sent off and Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David scored in a 2-1 win for Diego Simeone's side.
Liverpool.com says: Konate leaving was a blow for the Reds, but Jeremy Jacquet has come in and he looks like an upgrade. The young Frenchman has been brilliant alongside Virgil van Dijk so far.