Hugo Ekitike's £79m arrival clears path for Liverpool forward to leave Anfield on loan as Arne Slot reshapes attack ahead of Premier League title defence

Liverpool will allow their Wales international forward Lewis Koumas to go out on loan again following the £79million signing of Hugo Ekitike.

Koumas, 19, scored six times for Stoke City on loan last season and it’s felt another spell of playing regularly away from Anfield would be best to aid his long-term development.

The Championship is Koumas’ likeliest destination for the second consecutive year but moves abroad or to the Premier League haven’t been ruled out.

Koumas is regarded highly by Liverpool and scored on his debut aged 18 against Southampton in 2024 in what is his only first-team appearance for the club to date.

In addition to making 49 appearances for Stoke, Koumas has also won six caps for Wales, where his father Jason was part of the Noughties team alongside the likes of Craig Bellamy.

Bellamy is now Wales manager and excited about the future for Koumas. ‘He’s one of those players who just, every time he has it, you feel like something’s is going to happen. Something positive happens. Fearless.’

Born in Liverpool, Koumas began his footballing journey in the Tranmere Rovers academy - the same club where his father started his career - before switching to Liverpool at a young age. 

His natural talent was quickly recognised, and he steadily rose through the ranks at Kirkby, often playing above his age group.

The forward signed his first professional contract with Liverpool in January 2023 before penning a new long-term deal last August.

He featured for 45 minutes in the Reds' 3-1 pre-season victory over Preston North End, but may not suit up again as the club look to loan him out again.