Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas has made it clear that he intends to seize every opportunity available during pre-season as he looks to force his way into Andoni Iraola’s plans ahead of the new campaign.
The Wales international has returned to Merseyside after an eventful 2025/26 season that saw him gain valuable Championship experience with Birmingham City before finishing the campaign at Hull City, where he helped the Tigers secure promotion to the Premier League.
Now back with Liverpool for their pre-season tour of the United States, Koumas is embracing the fresh start under new head coach Iraola and believes the clean slate gives every player the chance to prove their worth.
Liverpool’s summer tour has provided several academy graduates with the opportunity to impress the new coaching staff, and Koumas is among those determined to make the most of it.
Speaking from the club’s training base in Chicago, the young forward expressed his excitement about working under Iraola while adapting to the manager’s tactical demands.
“Yeah, really good. We’re all enjoying it and looking forward to the games,” said Koumas.
Away from the training pitch, Koumas revealed that the younger members of the squad have quickly developed a close bond during the tour.
“We’re just chilling out, getting closer, playing cards. And just looking forward to training every day.”
He also admitted that fellow academy graduate Trey Nyoni remains one of his closest friends within the group.
“Yeah, I’ve always been close with Trey [Nyoni], ever since the first season we came through together. [And we’re] still close.”
The arrival of Iraola has brought fresh tactical ideas to Liverpool, with every player eager to understand the Spaniard’s philosophy before the new season begins.
Koumas believes the early training sessions have been demanding but highly encouraging despite the intense conditions in the United States.
“They’re really good sessions, positive sessions. We’re all just trying to adapt to the new gaffer and how he wants to play. We’re all looking forward to getting to know him more.”
The winger’s energetic style could prove well suited to Iraola’s high-intensity approach, something Koumas himself acknowledged.
Reflecting on last season, Koumas admitted his loan journey wasn’t straightforward but ultimately became an important step in his development.
After initially spending time with Birmingham City, the Welsh international joined Hull City, where he played his part in helping the Tigers secure promotion back to the Premier League.
“I took a lot. It was a really tough experience to start with but it ended up turning into a really good one. I learned a lot from Hull and obviously we got promoted, which is a massive achievement. So, yeah, it was a great season in the end.”
Promotion was sealed in dramatic fashion at Wembley, creating one of the standout moments of Koumas’ young career.
“It was unbelievable. When Oli [McBurnie] put it over the line, it was just an unbelievable moment for the club and now they’re in the Premier League.”
The experience of competing for promotion has given Koumas greater confidence as he returns to Liverpool with added maturity and valuable senior experience.
With Iraola only beginning his tenure at Anfield, every player has the chance to make a positive first impression, and Koumas believes his qualities could suit the new manager’s philosophy.
The forward highlighted his pressing ability, energy and work rate as strengths he hopes will catch the coaching staff’s attention.
“Yeah, definitely. I think I’m a player that the gaffer could sort of like, with the way I press and the energy I can give to the team. I’m always looking to impress so I’ll just see where it takes me.”
It is an honest assessment from a player who understands that pre-season performances could shape his immediate future.
Although Koumas remains realistic about the competition for places in Liverpool’s talented squad, he has not hidden his ambition.
His ultimate objective is to establish himself in the Premier League wearing Liverpool’s famous red shirt, but he is equally focused on continuing his development if another pathway emerges.
“To play for Liverpool in the Premier League, of course. But if that’s not how it ends up going, I’m always looking to develop and always looking to improve my game. We’ll just see what happens and see where it takes me.”
For Koumas, the coming weeks could prove pivotal. After gaining invaluable experience in the Championship and helping Hull City earn promotion, he now returns to Liverpool with renewed confidence, a stronger all-round game and the determination to convince Iraola that he deserves a place in the club’s long-term plans.
With pre-season offering a fresh opportunity for every player, the Welsh forward knows his performances on the pitch will determine where the next chapter of his promising career leads.
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