Jurgen Klopp Quashes Kylian Mbappe Rumours And Raises Concerns About Saudi's Growing Influence

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has laughed off the news about his club's interest in PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Updated on: 2 August 2023 5:35 am

Mbappe is a subject of transfer for a host of clubs across the Middle East and Europe.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Kylian Mbappe are still at loggerheads with the latter reportedly pursuing away from Parc de Princes. Clubs from England, Saudi Arabia, Spain and many others are showing interest in the France captain. Once such club rumoured to be linked with Mbappe is none other than Liverpool. (More Football news)

Mbappé is the subject of a record 300 million euro ($332 million) bid by Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Amidst that, Klopp's Liverpool have been rumoured to be interested in the PSG star but the German has laughed off the news.

He could also be open to a temporary move for this season before leaving on a free transfer next year — possibly to join Real Madrid — at the end of his current contract.

“We laugh about it,” Klopp told broadcaster Sky Germany as he prepared the squad for the final match of its preseason Asia tour against Bayern Munich in Singapore.

“I can say that I think he’s a really good player, but the financial conditions don’t suit us at all. I wouldn’t like to ruin the story now, but as far as I know, there’s nothing to it. It’s possible that someone else from the club is preparing something and wants to surprise me ... that hasn’t happened in the eight years that I’ve been here. That would be the first time.”

Liverpool have lost midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi clubs this summer transfer window, while striker Roberto Firmino has also gone to the oil-rich kingdom after his contract at Liverpool expired.

Klopp was not pleased that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open until Sept. 20 — nearly three weeks after the European window closes.

“It is massive, in the moment,” Klopp said about Saudi Arabia’s influence in quotes carried by British broadcaster BBC. “Pretty much the worst thing I think is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open three weeks longer. If I am right, I heard something like that, then at least in Europe that’s not helpful.

“UEFA or FIFA must find solutions for that. But in the end, at this moment, I don’t know exactly what will happen.”