Kylian Mbappe reveals why he rejected Liverpool

Kylian Mbappe has revealed that Liverpool came remarkably close to signing him in 2017, when he was emerging as one of Monaco’s brightest young stars.

Speaking to The Athletic, Mbappe explained that his mother, Fayza Lamari, strongly favoured a move to Anfield and even visited the club’s facilities during negotiations.

“When I was playing at Monaco, I had to make a decision. And yes, I was close to signing for Liverpool. My mother was a big fan of Jurgen Klopp, and her favourite destination was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there,” he said.

Klopp also made a personal effort to convince the teenager, travelling to France for an extended meeting shortly after Mbappe turned 18. The future superstar appreciated the approach but remained attracted to another possibility.

“I told him: ‘You don’t need to convince me. You are Jurgen Klopp, it’s Liverpool, a great club, so of course I’m interested. But I have other things, other projects, which are also good,’” Mbappe recalled.

His mother reportedly told him, “Liverpool: you’re going to play at Anfield, it will be crazy for you.”

Mbappe ultimately chose Paris Saint-Germain, wanting to become a star in his hometown.