Image Credits: Imago Images
Newly-promoted Hull City’s route back to the Premier League came via one of the most dramatic Championship play-off campaigns in recent memory.
After a chaotic semi‑final saga involving Southampton’s expulsion from the play-offs over a spying scandal, Hull were left waiting to see whether they would face the Saints or a reinstated Middlesbrough at Wembley.
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In the end it was Middlesbrough they faced with Hull holding their nerve on the day. A stoppage-time winner from Oli McBurnie sealed a 1-0 victory and sent the Tigers back to the topflight alongside Coventry City and Ipswich Town.
Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas quietly played his part after joining Hull on loan in January from Anfield.
The Wales youngster had spent the first half of the 2025/26 season at Birmingham City before switching to the MKM Stadium for the run‑in.
Koumas made 19 appearances in all competitions for Hull in the second half of the season, scoring three goals as Sergej Jakirovic’s side clinched promotion.
Hull have now released their retained list for 2025/26, confirming which members of the promotion squad will stay on for their Premier League adventure – and Koumas is not among the names, with his loan expiring on June 30th. The striker is heading back to Liverpool.
His profile has also risen on the international stage. The 20-year-old recently scored his first senior goal for Wales in a 1-1 draw against Ghana in an international friendly.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy said of his progression:
“[He is a] nine because we don’t really have any nines coming through and we do have a lot of wingers, brilliant wingers,” said Bellamy.
“He could definitely be a huge asset for us on the wing but, due to our lack of nines coming through the system, we’ve used him a lot in training that way and he’s really been electric.”
“There’s a lot to like about Koomy. He’s such a young player and I’m over the moon he got his goal because he’s deserved it.”