Birmingham City and Liverpool Reach Agreement on Lewis Koumas

Birmingham City and Liverpool have agreed to extend the loan recall window for 20-year-old forward Lewis Koumas, providing more flexibility beyond the original January 15 deadline.[1][3]

Koumas joined Birmingham on a season-long loan last summer for the 2025-26 Championship campaign, following 43 appearances for Stoke City the previous year. A product of Liverpool's academy since age 11 from Tranmere Rovers, he debuted for the Reds' first team in February 2024, scoring in a 3-0 FA Cup win over Southampton shortly after being an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup final victory against Chelsea. He signed a new Liverpool contract before his Blues move and earns senior Wales international caps.[1]

Initially struggling for starts at St Andrew’s—with just five Championship outings—Koumas has seized opportunities amid Demarai Gray's injury, sidelining the forward until February. He scored his first Blues goal in a 3-2 victory over leaders Coventry City earlier this month and impressed in an FA Cup tie against Cambridge United, earning consecutive starts.[1][2][3]

Birmingham boss Chris Davies confirmed the extension to BirminghamLive: “We’ve had discussions with Liverpool and everyone is happy... He’s playing and doing well... Let’s let him focus on the next few matches and see where it goes.” Davies emphasized Koumas's importance, enjoyment, and the shared goal of ensuring his happiness and development.[1]

Koumas acknowledged “conversations” with Liverpool amid recall speculation but remains focused: “I’m keeping my head down, working hard.” He is likely to feature in upcoming matches against Swansea City, Sheffield Wednesday, and possibly Stoke City on January 24, before a final decision influenced by his form and Birmingham's transfers.[2][3]

The extension allows all parties—player, clubs—to assess his progress openly through January, prioritizing regular game time for the promising winger.[1][3]