Jurgen Klopp rules Liverpool out of Kylian Mbappe race, concerned by later Saudi transfer deadline

Jurgen Klopp has laughed off suggestions that Liverpool could sign Kylian Mbappe, while voicing his concerns about Saudi Arabia's transfer window closing long after those in Europe.

Mbappe’s future appears up in the air as he is reportedly not willing to extend his Paris Saint-Germain contract beyond next summer, when he will be a free agent. If Mbappe does not extend then he would leave PSG for free in 2024.

Liverpool are among a number of teams who have been linked with a move for the France forward. However, Klopp seems to have ruled his side out of a transfer due to the size of the figures.

“We laugh about it,” Klopp told Sky Germany about a potential deal.

“I can say that I think he is a really good player. But the financial framework conditions don’t suit us at all.

“I would not like to destroy the story but as far as I know there is nothing to it. Maybe someone else from the club is preparing something and wants to surprise me!

“But this has not yet happened in the eight years I have been here. That would be the first time.”

PSG midfielder Carlos Soler gave little away when he was asked about Mbappe's future this week.

"This is a question that has been asked of everyone," he said.

"The decision that the club has made is what it is and I don't have to give another opinion on this. In the end, it is a decision between the club and Kylian."

On Tuesday, Klopp called for a “solution” to the free-spending Saudi Arabian top-flight having a later transfer deadline than English clubs.

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League have caught global attention in this summer’s transfer window after bringing in a host of big names from European sides.

The likes of N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Ruben Neves, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Riyad Mahrez, Jordan Henderson and Allan Saint-Maximin have departed Premier League sides to head to Saudi Arabia.

Klopp highlighted his concerns about the English top-flight’s transfer window closing on September 1 – almost three weeks before the Saudi deadline on September 20.

"As for the influence of Saudi Arabia, we will see," said Klopp.

"I don't know. It's quite an influence. It is massive, in the moment.

"Pretty much a bad 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.

"It is already influential, for us, for sure. We will have to learn to deal with it, and that's what we do. That's pretty much all I can say about it, time will show."

Liverpool have signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig this summer.

The Reds have also been linked with a move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

It has been reported by The Times that they will return with a second bid that is nearer to Southampton’s £50m asking price.

Liverpool have reportedly seen an offer of £34m, plus £4m in add-ons, rejected.

Liverpool continue their pre-season action when they face Bayern Munich in Singapore on Wednesday, August 2. Klopp’s side start their Premier League campaign against Chelsea on Sunday, August 13.

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