The Kylian Mbappé transfer saga
The Kylian Mbappé Transfer Saga: How Liverpool Almost Secured His Signature
Kylian Mbappé is one of the biggest names in world football, and his journey at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been nothing short of dramatic. Throughout his time in the French capital, rumors constantly surrounded his future, with many expecting him to leave for a new challenge. One of the most intriguing stories was how close he came to joining Liverpool before ultimately deciding to stay at PSG in 2022.
Liverpool’s Interest in Mbappé
In 2022, Mbappé’s contract at PSG was nearing its end, and speculation about his next move was rife. Real Madrid, a club Mbappé has admired since childhood, seemed to be his most likely destination. However, Liverpool made a serious attempt to bring the French forward to Anfield, adding an unexpected twist to the transfer saga.
Liverpool’s interest in Mbappé wasn’t new. The club had previously shown interest in signing him when he was a rising star at AS Monaco, but at the time, they couldn’t match the financial power of PSG or Madrid. However, with his PSG contract about to expire, Liverpool saw a new opportunity to lure him to the Premier League.
Why Mbappé Considered Liverpool
There were several reasons why Mbappé seriously considered Liverpool as a potential next step in his career. Firstly, he had long admired the playing style of the team under Jürgen Klopp. Liverpool’s fast-paced, high-pressing game would have suited Mbappé’s skill set perfectly, and the chance to compete in the Premier League, widely regarded as the most competitive league in the world, was undoubtedly attractive.
Liverpool also had a project and vision that might have appealed to Mbappé. Under Klopp, they had already won the Premier League and Champions League, and adding a player like Mbappé could have cemented their dominance. Unlike PSG, where the project often seemed focused on glamour and individual stars, Liverpool’s success was built on teamwork and tactical discipline.
There were also personal reasons that made Liverpool an appealing choice. Reports suggested that Mbappé and his family appreciated the more family-oriented atmosphere at Liverpool compared to the glitz and glamour of PSG and Madrid. The club’s connection with Nike, Mbappé’s main sponsor, may have played a part too.
Why Mbappé Stayed at PSG
Despite Liverpool’s strong interest and Real Madrid’s long-standing pursuit, Mbappé made the surprising decision to sign a two-year extension with PSG in May 2022. This decision shocked the football world, but there were several reasons behind it.
One of the key factors was PSG’s massive financial offer. The new contract made him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with significant bonuses and control over his image rights. On top of that, reports suggested Mbappé was given unprecedented influence over PSG’s sporting decisions, allowing him to have a say in signings and the club’s direction.
Pressure from French political figures, including President Emmanuel Macron, also played a part in his decision. Mbappé, as one of France’s biggest sporting icons, was seen as vital to the country’s football image.
Mbappé’s Move to Real Madrid
Even after the 2022 contract extension, speculation around Mbappé’s future didn’t die down. By the summer of 2023, it became clear that Mbappé wanted to leave PSG, refusing to trigger the option to extend his contract further. This led to his eventual free transfer to Real Madrid, ending one of football’s most high-profile transfer sagas.
Although Mbappé didn’t end up at Liverpool, the fact that the club came so close to signing him is a testament to their ambition and status in world football.
