LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola gives final instructions to substitute Lewis Koumas (L) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola gives final instructions to substitute Lewis Koumas (L) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Lewis Koumas could be the surprise success of Liverpool’s pre-season, with the 20-year-old forward tipped to stay after impressing head coach Andoni Iraola.
Over the six friendlies, only four players clocked more minutes on the pitch for Liverpool than Koumas (281).
The Wales international was used across the forward line, with his standout performance arguably coming against Ligue 1 side Monaco at Anfield, when he played 76 minutes having started as a right winger.
His versatility has been particularly useful over the summer and while Liverpool continue to push for two new signings, Koumas could still stay.
The Mail‘s Lewis Steele and The Athletic‘s Gregg Evans have both noted the possibility of Iraola keeping him as a squad option.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Lewis Koumas during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Lewis Koumas during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Steele writes that while “clubs are circling for his signature,” Koumas “seriously caught Iraola’s eye,” while Evans adds that Liverpool are “still deciding what to do next” and “may keep him around as cover.”
The chances are that Koumas’ likelihood of staying at Liverpool is tied to the club’s efforts to sign Bradley Barcola and another winger.
Until deals can be sealed for Barcola and possibly Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye, it would be foolish to leave Iraola even shorter in attack than he already is with Mo Salah departed and Hugo Ekitike injured.
Nevertheless, even if two additions are made, there could still be an opportunity for Koumas, with Cody Gakpo attracting interest from Tottenham and the only other established options being Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha.
Earlier in the summer it was reported that Liverpool would seek to enter the new campaign with five wingers including a talent from the academy.
While it was assumed that player would be Josh Abe, the 16-year-old only played 67 minutes in pre-season and, returning to the youth ranks after the USA tour, started for the U18s in their campaign opener on Saturday.
Koumas is considerably older – turning 21 next month but still eligible as a U21 player – and looked likely to move on after loan spells with Stoke, Birmingham and Hull.
But his tactical flexibility, relentless work rate and proven eye for goal could see him take up a role many considered unlikely heading into the summer.
Paris St Germain Training – Stadion Salzburg – Tuesday August 11th
Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola during a training session at Stadion Salzburg, ahead of the UEFA Super Cup which takes place on Wednesday. Picture date: Tuesday August 11, 2026.
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Paris, France. 17th May, 2026. Ibrahim Mbaye on the final day of the McDonald’s Ligue 1 season at the Stade Jean Bouin between PSG and Paris FC, on 17 May 2026 – 17/05/2026 – France/Ile-de-France (region)/Paris – Julien Mattia/Le Pictorium Credit: LE PICT
Paris, France. 17th May, 2026. Ibrahim Mbaye on the final day of the McDonald’s Ligue 1 season at the Stade Jean Bouin between PSG and Paris FC, on 17 May 2026 – 17/05/2026 – France/Ile-de-France (region)/Paris – Julien Mattia/Le Pictorium Credit: LE PICT