Kylian Mbappe, the highly sought-after French footballer, has officially signed with Real Madrid, putting an end to any hopes of him joining Liverpool. Speculation surrounding Mbappe’s potential move to Anfield has been circulating since his breakthrough at Monaco. Liverpool had even explored the possibility of signing him on several occasions. However, it became increasingly clear that Real Madrid was the only realistic destination for the talented forward.
Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid will see him join one of the most complete squads in recent years. The European champions have assembled a formidable team, and Mbappe’s arrival only strengthens their lineup. Despite being a free transfer, it is reported that Mbappe will receive a signing-on fee of around £85 million, with a projected weekly salary of approximately £650,000. In comparison, Liverpool’s highest earner, Mohamed Salah, currently earns £350,000 per week.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s former manager, was not involved in the negotiations with Mbappe back in 2017. However, he accepted the stance of the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, regarding any potential deal. Speaking at a farewell event for Klopp, he emphasized that signing players like Mbappe did not align with Liverpool’s identity. Klopp acknowledged that Liverpool was not a club with unlimited financial resources and stated that it was not their way of operating.
While some fans may be disappointed with the perceived lack of ambition from Liverpool’s owners in the transfer market, Mbappe’s move reflects the reality of the situation for a club like Liverpool. The team competes among the elite without the immense financial backing enjoyed by many of their rivals.
Klopp further defended Liverpool’s owners, expressing his belief that they genuinely care about the club and work hard to support its success. He acknowledged that there may be differing opinions on whether more financial support could have resulted in more trophies. However, Klopp stated that he and his team did the best they could with the resources they had and remained proud of their achievements. He emphasized the unity and progress made by the city of Liverpool and the club over the years.
In conclusion, while Liverpool may have missed out on signing Kylian Mbappe, Klopp’s comments shed light on the club’s approach to transfers and their financial limitations. The signing of Mbappe by Real Madrid highlights the disparity in financial resources between Liverpool and some of their rivals. However, Klopp maintained that he felt supported by Liverpool’s owners and was content with the club’s achievements under their stewardship.