As of March 2026, Kylian Mbappe remains a Real Madrid player under a contract that runs until June 2029, making a transfer to Liverpool highly improbable in the current window. Despite persistent rumours and a historical “verbal agreement” reportedly reached between Mbappe and Liverpool in 2022, the French captain is currently the focal point of Real Madrid’s attack, having scored 38 goals across all competitions in the 2025–26 season so far. While Liverpool’s recruitment team, now led by Richard Hughes and manager Arne Slot, continues to monitor world-class talent, there have been no formal bids or advanced negotiations for Mbappe since his free transfer to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2024.

The 2022 “Verbal Agreement” Revealed

Long-standing rumours were finally given weight in late 2024 and 2025 when details of a near-miss transfer emerged.

The €200m Bid from Anfield

Reports from major European outlets confirmed that in 2022, shortly after Mbappe signed a short-term extension with PSG, Liverpool made a staggering €200m (£169m) bid for the forward. This move was not merely a “check-in” but a serious attempt to bring the Frenchman to the Premier League, with Mbappe reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the club. The deal ultimately collapsed when PSG demanded that Liverpool double the offer to nearly €400m, a figure that exceeded the club’s sustainable financial model.

Jurgen Klopp’s Direct Involvement

Former manager Jurgen Klopp admitted in several interviews that “of course” Liverpool were interested, stating they were “not blind” to his talent. Mbappe himself revealed that he held talks with the Reds because they are the favourite club of his mother, Fayza Lamari. These personal connections kept the “Mbappe 2020” and “Mbappe 2024” social media movements alive for years among the Anfield faithful.

Mbappe’s 2025–26 Season at Real Madrid

To understand why a 2026 move is unlikely, one must look at his current status as the “Galactico” of the Spanish capital.

Record-Breaking Goalscoring Stats

In his second season at Real Madrid, Mbappe has reached new heights. As of March 6, 2026, he is the top scorer in La Liga with 23 goals and has a total of 38 goals across all competitions. His integration into the side alongside Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior has made Real Madrid a dominant force, despite a brief transition period following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti in early 2026.

Recent Injury and Fitness Updates

In March 2026, Mbappe has been dealing with “knee problems” that saw him miss matches against Getafe and Celta de Vigo. However, reports as of March 9, 2026, suggest he is on track for a shock return in the Champions League round of 16. His commitment to the Real Madrid project remains firm, with the player recently rejecting a massive contract restructuring to stay focused on winning his first European Cup with Los Blancos.

Financial Barriers to a Liverpool Move

The primary reason Mbappe never wore the red shirt comes down to the “Liverpool Way” of financial management.

Wage Structure and Parity

Liverpool’s wage bill is strictly controlled to maintain squad harmony. In 2026, even with stars like Mohamed Salah on significant contracts, Mbappe’s reported Real Madrid salary—combined with his astronomical signing-on bonus—would quintuple Liverpool’s highest earner. Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has consistently prioritised the club’s long-term health over “Galactico” signings that could destabilize the dressing room.

The “Next Mbappe” Strategy

Instead of pursuing the established superstar, Liverpool’s 2026 recruitment strategy focuses on identifying the “next” version of such talent. In early 2026, the club has been linked with younger, high-potential forwards like Jeremy Jacquet (signed for Summer 2026) and AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic. This “value-driven” approach is the antithesis of the Mbappe saga but has proven successful in keeping the club competitive in the Premier League.

Practical Information and Planning

For fans wishing to see Mbappe play live in 2026, whether at the Bernabeu or a potential European away day at Anfield:

Visiting the Santiago Bernabéu

Location: Concha Espina, Madrid, Spain.

Tour Prices: The “Bernabéu Tour” in 2026 costs approximately €30 for adults, providing access to the trophy room and Mbappe’s dedicated section in the club shop.

Match Tickets: Tickets for La Liga matches featuring Mbappe start at €60, though high-profile games like El Clásico see prices soar into the hundreds.

How to Get There

From Liverpool: Direct flights from John Lennon Airport to Madrid Barajas take roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Public Transport: The Madrid Metro (Line 10) stops directly at the “Santiago Bernabéu” station, making it highly accessible from the city centre.

[Seasonal/Timely] The 2026 World Cup Outlook

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America approaching this summer, Mbappe is set to be the face of the tournament. His form for Real Madrid in the first half of 2026 will be the primary indicator of France’s chances of reclaiming the trophy. Liverpool fans will likely be watching his performances as a Real Madrid representative, officially closing the book on the “Mbappe to Liverpool” transfer story for this international cycle.

FAQs

Did Mbappe ever agree to join Liverpool? 

Yes, reports in late 2024 confirmed a verbal agreement was reached in 2022, but the transfer fee demanded by PSG (€400m) was too high for Liverpool to proceed.

Is Mbappe joining Liverpool in the summer of 2026?

 No, he is currently under contract with Real Madrid until June 2029 and is the club’s top scorer.

Why does Mbappe’s mother like Liverpool? 

Kylian Mbappe has stated in interviews that Liverpool is his mother’s favourite club, which led to initial meetings between his representatives and the club years ago.

What is Mbappe’s current salary at Real Madrid?

 While exact figures are private, he is estimated to earn over €30m per year plus a signing bonus exceeding €100m spread over his contract.

How many goals has Mbappe scored in the 2025-26 season?

 As of March 2026, he has scored 38 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid.

Who is the “next Mbappe” Liverpool are signing?

 In early 2026, Liverpool have been linked to several young talents, including Christian Pulisic and French youngster Jeremy Jacquet.

Did Mbappe ever play against Liverpool?

 Yes, most recently in the Champions League group stage in November 2025, where Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0.

Is Jurgen Klopp still trying to sign Mbappe?

 No, Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool in 2024 and is no longer involved in the club’s recruitment.

What shirt number does Mbappe wear in 2026? 

He currently wears the number 10 for Real Madrid.

Can Liverpool afford Mbappe’s release clause?

 Mbappe’s release clause at Real Madrid is reportedly set at €1 billion, which is far beyond the reach of any Premier League club.

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By Sania

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