Liverpool hold Lewis Koumas talks after only 5 Championship starts

Liverpool FC is in discussions with young forward Lewis Koumas regarding his ongoing loan spell at Birmingham City, following a challenging period with just five league starts in the Championship this season.[2][1]

Koumas, a 20-year-old versatile attacker from Liverpool's academy, joined Birmingham on a season-long loan last summer after a promising stint at Stoke City the previous year. The move was intended to provide him with valuable first-team experience in the competitive Championship.[1][3] However, his time at St Andrew's has been underwhelming so far, with limited opportunities amid competition for places and injuries.[1][2]

Recent developments have sparked speculation about an early recall. Liverpool has held talks with Koumas to assess whether he should complete his loan or return to Anfield for a potential new move elsewhere, aiming for a more productive spell.[2][1] This comes after several other Liverpool loanees, including James McConnell, James Balagizi, and Owen Beck, were brought back from their respective clubs earlier in the season.[1]

Despite the struggles, hope lingers at Birmingham. Koumas scored his first goal of the season in a match against high-flying Coventry City last weekend, a moment hailed by Blues head coach Chris Davies as a potential "catalyst" to kickstart his campaign.[1] Davies noted Koumas' limited chances due to being out of the starting lineup but praised his impact as a substitute and starter in that game. With winger Demarai Gray sidelined until February, Koumas could now earn a run in the team.[1]

Davies emphasized a game-by-game approach, stating they've spoken with Koumas, who was "really pleased" with his performance. He added they remain "open-minded" on his future through January, ahead of an FA Cup tie against Cambridge.[1] While a dramatic U-turn to keep him for the rest of the season is possible, Liverpool's intervention suggests his Anfield future remains uncertain.[1][2]

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