Kylian Mbappe shares two reasons why he said no to Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool after their private jet meeting
Kylian Mbappe recently shared why he decided not to join Liverpool, opening up about a private jet meeting with Jurgen Klopp. Mbappe was often linked with the six-time European champions, and back in 2017, Klopp revealed how hard Liverpool tried to sign the young star when he was just 18.
Now managing the Germany national team, Klopp was working for Magenta TV during the World Cup and met Mbappe after France’s win over Morocco in the quarter-finals. Klopp said Mbappe was part of Liverpool’s “most expensive non-transfer” ever—a private jet with five cabins flew in circles while they enjoyed a meal together. Despite the efforts, Mbappe chose to stay in France and sign for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Klopp explained: “It was before Mbappe went to Paris, around €500 million. We flew from Blackpool to Nice. Mbappe’s whole family got on a private jet, and we flew in circles for a meal. We had to stay low-key. It was a great experience, but then he went to Paris.”
Mbappe confirmed the plane meeting with Klopp and said he didn’t need much convincing because Klopp is such a respected figure. Still, Mbappe felt signing for PSG, his hometown club, was the right choice. He wanted to play in Paris and said, “I didn’t want to leave my country before I was someone.”
He told The Athletic, “We were on that plane, flying in circles, and Klopp was sharing his vision. I said, ‘You don’t have to convince me. You’re Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s a great club, so of course I’m interested. But I have other projects too.’ I knew any decision I made would be good since we’re talking about top clubs. In the end, I chose PSG because being a star in my hometown meant the world to me.”
Back in 2017, Mbappe had already become a top talent thanks to his amazing performances for Monaco during their run to the Champions League semi-finals. Many big clubs wanted him, but Liverpool was a strong option, especially because of his mum.
Fayza Lamari, who advises Mbappe, really wanted him to play for Klopp at Liverpool. She told him it would be “insane” to join. She even visited Anfield, loved the atmosphere, the city, and the friendly people. Although she hoped Mbappe would sign for Liverpool, the final choice was his.
Mbappe shared, “When I was with Monaco, I had to make a big decision. I was close to Liverpool. My mum was a big Klopp fan, and Liverpool was her favorite choice. She told me, ‘Liverpool, playing at Anfield, it’s going to be amazing.’ She went to the city and stadium, met people, and fell in love with the club. She watched games alone just to feel the atmosphere and imagine me playing there.”
Mbappe joined PSG first on loan, then the deal became permanent for £166 million. He became PSG’s top scorer and later moved to Real Madrid, where he’s already nearing 100 goals.