Liverpool F.C. confirmed that a private‑jet meeting with Kylian Mbappé’s family took place in Nice, but the French star ultimately chose Paris Saint‑Germain before moving to Real Madrid. Jurgen Klopp, speaking on MagentaTV during France’s World Cup quarter‑final, described the effort as “the most expensive non‑transfer we ever invested in.”

What really happened with Mbappé?

Klopp recalled flying from Blackpool to Nice, where Mbappé’s family boarded a chartered jet with multiple rooms. He said the Reds spent days circling the city, dining with the family and trying to seal a deal. Despite the lavish approach, the player signed for PSG and later joined Real Madrid, where he now leads the World Cup Golden Boot race with eight goals.

Why the move mattered for Liverpool F.C.

A successful Mbappé signing would have given Liverpool a world‑class striker to complement Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah, potentially turning a 5th‑place finish (60 points, 17W‑9D‑12L) into a title challenge. The club currently sits 25 points behind leaders Arsenal, with a goal difference of +10 (63 scored, 53 conceded). Adding a player of Mbappé’s calibre could have shifted that gap dramatically.

Who else almost joined the Reds?

Paris FC winger Moses Simon revealed he was on Liverpool’s radar between 2016 and 2018. After a season with Nantes, the 30‑year‑old said Liverpool, along with Hull City, Fulham, Brighton, Tottenham and Lyon, pursued him. He recalled a failed Europa League clash in 2017 and a transfer that fell through in his second year of interest, leaving him uncertain about his future.

What does this mean for future transfer plans?

Klopp’s admission shows Liverpool are willing to go to great lengths for elite talent, even if the price tag isn’t a traditional fee. The club’s modest summer activity—only Victor Muñoz from Osasuna so far—suggests they may still have budget to chase big names. With the season ending in a mid‑table spot, the board will likely evaluate whether similar high‑profile pursuits are realistic or if a more measured rebuild is needed.