Kylian Mbappe Reveals He Was Close to Joining Liverpool in 2016 Despite Mother’s Admiration for Anfield

Kylian Mbappe has opened up about a pivotal moment in his early career, revealing just how close he came to joining Liverpool in 2016 before ultimately choosing Paris St-Germain (PSG). At the time, the young forward was a rising star at Monaco, attracting intense interest from Europe's elite clubs. Despite a significant push from the Premier League giants and personal encouragement from his family, Mbappe opted to stay in France to establish his professional legacy in his home country.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly went to great lengths to secure the then-18-year-old’s signature. The club’s recruitment efforts included arranging a private jet for the Mbappe family and hosting a meal to facilitate high-level discussions. Klopp himself later confirmed the club's significant efforts to bring the Frenchman to Anfield, highlighting that the recruitment team had identified Mbappe's world-class potential well before he became a global household name.

A key factor in the negotiations was the influence of Mbappe’s mother, who was a vocal admirer of both Jurgen Klopp and the atmosphere at Anfield. According to Mbappe, his mother urged him to consider the move to England, having developed a deep appreciation for the club during their visits. However, the striker explained that his decision to join PSG was driven by a desire to thrive in his hometown and represent the club of his city, a choice he ultimately stood by despite his mother's preferences.

The decision to remain in France proved historic, as Mbappe went on to become the all-time leading scorer for Paris St-Germain. Following years of dominance in Ligue 1, he finally completed a high-profile move to Real Madrid in 2024. While the revelation of his near-move to Liverpool serves as a fascinating "what if" for football fans, it underscores the strategic path Mbappe took to become a legend in Paris before seeking a new challenge in Spain.