Jurgen Klopp opens up on Liverpool's attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe was only 18 and one of Europe's most sought-after talents when Liverpool joined the race for his signature. Klopp, who was then in charge at Anfield, led a secretive effort to convince the France forward and his family to move to England.

Speaking while working as a pundit for Magenta TV during the World Cup, Klopp said Liverpool arranged a private jet journey from Blackpool to Nice, where Mbappe and his family boarded the aircraft for talks.

"The most expensive non-transfer that we (Liverpool) invested in," Klopp said.

"We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the entire Mbappe family boarded a private jet with five rooms or something. We really went all out. Then we flew around in a circle, talked with the family and ate good food.

"We couldn't be seen. We flew in a circle. It was fantastic. And then he went to Paris."

Despite Liverpool's efforts, Mbappe opted to join Paris Saint-Germain, initially on loan before the move became permanent for 180 million euros. He spent seven years in the French capital, becoming PSG's all-time leading scorer before leaving for Real Madrid in 2024.

Mbappe later confirmed he had spoken with Liverpool during his Monaco days, explaining that the club had appeal because of his mother's admiration for the Reds, but said the final decision came down to PSG and Real Madrid.

Klopp spent nine years at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and Champions League before stepping down in 2024. He is widely expected to become the next head coach of the Germany national team.