- Kylian Mbappé has revealed to The Athletic that he came close to signing for Liverpool as an 18-year-old in the summer of 2017, having held a private meeting with then-manager Jürgen Klopp on a private jet over the south of France.
- The French forward's mother and agent, Fayza Lamari, was a keen admirer of Klopp and Anfield, actively encouraging her son to choose Liverpool after visiting the stadium and being drawn to its family feel.
- Jürgen Klopp previously reflected on the negotiations, characterising the failed attempt to recruit Mbappé from Monaco as the most expensive non-transfer the club had ever made.
- Despite his mother's enthusiasm and his own admiration for Klopp, Mbappé ultimately rejected Liverpool in order to play in his hometown and prove himself as a marquee player in Paris.
- Mbappé subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain on an initial loan for the 2017-18 season before making a permanent transfer, eventually leaving the French capital to join Real Madrid in 2024.
IN FULL
Kylian Mbappe reveals how close he was to joining Liverpool: ‘My mum wanted me to go’
