Klopp reveals private jet talks with Mbappé in 2017

Jürgen Klopp has revealed that Liverpool came close to signing Kylian Mbappé in 2017, with talks taking place on a private jet. The German manager described it as the "most expensive non-transfer" in the club's history.

Klopp disclosed the details in a recent interview, recalling how the club pursued the then-Monaco teenager before he eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain. The meeting on the private jet was part of an effort to convince Mbappé to move to Anfield.

What happened

According to Klopp, Liverpool's recruitment team had identified Mbappé as a top target after his breakout season with Monaco. The club even arranged a private jet to meet with the player and his family, but ultimately the deal fell through.

• Klopp confirmed talks on a private jet with Mbappé in 2017.
• The meeting was part of Liverpool's attempt to sign the teenage star.
• Mbappé chose PSG instead, where he has become a global superstar.
• Klopp called it the 'most expensive non-transfer' for Liverpool.
• Liverpool later invested in other forwards like Mohamed Salah.

Why it matters

The revelation highlights Liverpool's ambitious recruitment strategy under Klopp and how close they came to landing one of football's biggest names. While they missed out on Mbappé, the club went on to win the Champions League and Premier League in subsequent years.

For Mbappé, his move to PSG paid off with multiple Ligue 1 titles and a World Cup win with France in 2018. He is now widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.

Klopp's admission adds to the lore of football's transfer sagas, showing that even near-misses can become part of a club's history.