Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed how the club went to extraordinary lengths in an unsuccessful attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe before the French forward joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
Speaking to MagentaTV, Klopp reflected on Liverpool's secret pursuit of Mbappe, recalling how the club arranged a private jet with five cabins for the player's family during what he described as the most expensive "non-transfer" of his career.
Klopp reunited with Mbappe after the quarter-final clash against Morocco and admitted the encounter brought back memories of several failed attempts to bring French stars to Anfield.
"It's extremely tough for me right now. I've already negotiated with three of their players and never got them."
The German coach then recalled Liverpool's covert operation to meet Mbappe before his move to PSG, explaining how the club flew from Blackpool to Nice to avoid media attention.
"With Mbappe, it was before he went to Paris. That was roughly €500 million, the most expensive non-transfer we've ever made.
"We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the whole Mbappe family boarded a private jet with five cabins. Then we flew around in circles and had a delicious meal. We weren't allowed to be seen. It was great – and then he went to Paris."
Despite Liverpool's efforts, Mbappe ultimately completed a €180 million move to Paris Saint-Germain, ending the Reds' ambitious pursuit before it truly began.
