Liverpool’s promising young forward, Lewis Koumas, has signed a new contract with the club before embarking on a loan move to gain valuable experience in the Championship. Koumas has been highly regarded as one of the top attacking prospects in Liverpool’s academy, which earned him a place with the first team during pre-season.
However, with the abundance of quality forwards at Arne Slot’s disposal, it is unlikely that Koumas will break through to the first team at this stage. Recognizing the need for regular playing time and development, Liverpool has decided to send the 18-year-old Welshman out on loan.
Koumas has joined Championship club Stoke City for the 2024/25 season, a move that allows him to gain further experience by playing and traveling frequently in England’s second tier. This opportunity would not have been available at Liverpool without an injury crisis, and Slot will undoubtedly be hoping to avoid such a situation this season.
Last season, Koumas made the matchday squad on eight occasions, making his debut and scoring against Southampton in the FA Cup. Although Jayden Danns received more opportunities from Jurgen Klopp, it is clear that there are high hopes for Koumas in the future.
During Slot’s unofficial first friendly of the summer against Preston, Koumas played for half an hour at the AXA Training Centre. He also made a 17-minute appearance off the bench against Real Betis during Liverpool’s United States tour. However, with players like Fabio Carvalho, Ben Doak, and Harvey Blair ahead of him in the pecking order, Koumas can now focus on honing his skills in the competitive environment of the Championship.
Liverpool has shown faith in Koumas by offering him a new long-term contract before his loan move, indicating their belief in his potential. Stoke City will provide the platform for him to showcase his abilities and continue his development as a player.
We wish Lewis Koumas the best of luck as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his career.