Liverpool are weighing up the next step for Lewis Koumas after an impressive pre-season under new manager Andoni Iraola, while fellow Welshman Owen Beck faces a prolonged absence due to a hamstring injury setback.
Koumas impresses Iraola in pre-season
The 20-year-old winger has been given significant game time during Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States and scored against Sunderland in the first match. His versatility and work ethic have attracted interest from clubs seeking a loan deal.
Koumas, who spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Hull and Birmingham, said of Iraola: "He has a really aggressive style and he loves to press. I think I can do that well and I think I can do it for him. So, hopefully it catches the eye."
The Welsh international also noted how the Spaniard's coaching has already improved his game. "There was no sort of 'well done' [from Iraola post-match], it was just talking about how I can get better at pressing," Koumas said after another pre-season outing. "Because there was a time where I wanted to jump straight through, but it would have affected the way we want to press, so he just tried to give me more information straight away. I think it's going to help my development and help me become a better player, so ultimately it's better."
Beck's recovery derailed by setback
According to The Athletic, Liverpool are still deciding whether to keep Koumas as cover on Merseyside or send him out on loan again. A temporary move would likely be favoured by Wales manager Craig Bellamy, as first-team minutes at Anfield may be scarce this season.
For Beck, however, the immediate future is clearer. The 24-year-old left-back suffered a hamstring injury in November 2025 during his loan spell at Derby County, which was cut short. He returned to Liverpool's AXA training ground for rehabilitation but suffered a setback. Initially expected to return in February or March, he is still yet to resume playing, ruling out any loan or permanent move this summer.
