Andoni Iraola has insisted that he never wanted to let Lewis Koumas leave this summer, with the young Liverpool forward set to play an important role for the Reds this season
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool training session in September 2026.
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool training session in September 2026.(Image: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola says he made the decision to keep Lewis Koumas at Liverpool within days of meeting the young Welsh forward, despite loan interest from elsewhere.
Koumas has made himself an option from the bench in recent matches and could get the chance to start in the Carabao Cup next midweek when Liverpool hosts Tottenham. The 20-year-old has made a strong impression on Iraola, who intends to keep using him throughout the campaign.
"For me, Koumas, I think the first week I was here, I already told the club he was staying all the season," Iraola said ahead of the Reds playing Fulham in the Premier League.
"I had very few doubts. He's someone who covers us in the seven, the nine, the 10, the 11 — he trains very well, good attitude, good player, scores goals.
"He needs to add more things, obviously, like every young player, but he already has a good amount of experience playing in the Championship at a high level.
"He is ready to help us. I like what he gives us. When I bring him on he helps us in all scenarios and I am very happy to have him.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola with Lewis Koumas after the Premier League match at Newcastle United on August 23 2026
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola with Lewis Koumas after the Premier League match at Newcastle United on August 23 2026(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
"He has a very clear idea of what he needs to do, and what he needs to do is to help the team. He understands this, and when you have that mentality, normally it is good."
Koumas made his Liverpool debut back in February 2024 under Jurgen Klopp, and spent the last two years in the second tier with Stoke, Birmingham and then Hull.
Iraola also gave a wider injury update during his pre-Fulham press conference. Cody Gakpo could return, while Bradley Barcola will be available after he went off with cramp midweek.
"With Bradley, it's about building his physical condition," Iraola had outlined earlier in the week.
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"We don't really know — or we didn't know until now, probably — how much he can play because he hasn't had any minutes in pre-season for PSG.
"He played 30 the other day [and] today we had some question marks, how many minutes he can give us and probably now we know.
"I'm very happy because also he has had two very clear chances against the 'keeper. He hasn't scored, but I want him there.
"There is where he has to make the difference, arriving to those spots, those positions, and I'm very happy because in — I don't know how many minutes he's played — two times against the 'keeper is a good sign."