Klopp recalled that Liverpool officials travelled to the south of France to meet Mbappe’s family away from public attention.
“We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the entire Mbappe family boarded a private jet with five rooms or something,” Klopp said.
The aircraft did not take the group to another city. Instead, Klopp explained, it circled while discussions took place and a meal was shared.
“We couldn't be seen. We flew in a circle,” Klopp added.
It was an extraordinary operation for a transfer that never moved beyond the conversation stage. Yet it also reflected Mbappe’s status as one of Europe’s most coveted young forwards after his breakthrough season at Monaco.
Liverpool’s interest was serious, but Mbappe eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain after weighing his options. Klopp’s reaction remains remarkably good-humoured.
“It was fantastic. And then he went to Paris!” he said.
That final line carries the frustration of a missed opportunity, but also an acknowledgement of how difficult the competition was. PSG offered Mbappe a route to remain in France, while Liverpool were still building towards the dominant European side they would later become.
For Mbappe, the decision proved pivotal. He has since established himself among the leading forwards in world football and is now a central figure for France at the 2026 World Cup.
Klopp’s connection with Mbappe has taken another turn, with the German reportedly in talks over a possible role with the Germany national team. “I'm ready,” Klopp said of those discussions.
The next storyline to watch is whether Klopp’s international future brings him into regular competition with Mbappe again - this time from the touchline rather than a private jet.