Mbappe reveals he almost signed for Liverpool as a teen, prompting Iraola’s striker plans and recalling his mother’s dream of Anfield

Kylian Mbappe has revealed he was on the verge of signing for Liverpool as a teenager, recalling a private‑jet meeting with Jurgen Klopp in 2017, while Andoni Iraola’s Reds have yet to taste defeat after seven games, having won two league matches, drawn three and taken the Carabao Cup and Champions League.

Comments Sport Ben Crawford Senior Sports Writer 05:00, 23 Sep 2026 View 3 Images. Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool have yet to taste defeat this season, with seven matches unbeaten. The Reds have drawn three League games, won two, and already lifted the Carabao Cup and Champions League, most recently securing a 1‑0 away win at Bournemouth. Their next challenge comes against Manchester City on 11 October.

Mbappe’s near move and family ties

"It was while I was playing in Monaco," Kylian Mbappe told The Athletic, recalling events from 2017. "I had to make a decision. And yes, I was close to Liverpool. My mum was a big fan of Jurgen Klopp and the favourite destination for my mum was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there." He added that his mother imagined him at Anfield, describing the club as a "wonderful, family" environment. Mbappe, a World Cup winner with France, amassed 256 goals in 308 appearances for Paris Saint‑Germain and collected six Ligue 1 titles before swapping Monaco for PSG on an initial loan deal that included a £154 million mandatory purchase option.

Isak signing and Iraola’s striker plan

Eight years later Liverpool secured Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a record £125 million. Iraola intends to use the 27‑year‑old Swedish striker to press high, showing him videos of youngster Lewis Koumas to improve off‑the‑ball work and defensive effort. He also plans to pair Isak with Florian Wirtz, hoping the duo will replace two forward players around the hour mark to sustain intensity.

The early season victories in the Carabao Cup and Champions League underline Liverpool’s ambition to attract world‑class talent. By adding a striker of Isak’s calibre, the club aims to convert its unbeaten run into a title challenge.

The admission adds another chapter to LIVERPOOL’s storied pursuit of global talent, highlighting how Mbappe’s mother’s dream of Anfield still resonates despite his decision to stay in France.

With the unbeaten record intact and a high‑profile striker plan under way, Liverpool head into the Manchester City clash on 11 October eager to extend their flawless start.