Liverpool is set to face challenges in the centre-forward position as they approach the 2026/27 season.
Alexander Isak, who made a British record transfer from Newcastle for £125m, struggled to adapt to life at Anfield during an injury-plagued debut season, managing only four goals.
Given the 26-year-old’s history with injuries and the busy schedule of the FIFA World Cup this summer, it would be unwise to assume that the Sweden international will be fit for the entire season.
Worse still, there is no senior backup available.
Hugo Ekitike, 23, was acquired from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69m. Although the France international had an impressive rookie season with 17 goals, he too has fallen victim to injuries.
Currently, Ekitike is not expected to return until possibly 2027 due to a severe achilles injury. This leaves Richard Hughes and potentially new coach Andoni Iraola with limited options at centre-forward.
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‘Electric’ Koumas stars as Wales’ No. 9
One potential solution could be to promote a young talent from the academy. According to Craig Bellamy, the head coach of Wales, Liverpool has a promising future No. 9 in their ranks.
Lewis Koumas, 20, spent last season on loan—first at Birmingham and then at Hull City during their second-half push for promotion from the Championship.
The versatile forward scored his first international goal on Tuesday as Bellamy’s squad earned a gritty draw against World Cup-bound Ghana in Cardiff.
With a wealth of options on the wings, including Sorba Thomas, Dan James, and Brennan Johnson, Bellamy envisions Koumas stepping into the centre-forward role.
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“[He is a] nine because we don’t really have any nines coming through and we do have a lot of brilliant wingers,” Bellamy told BBC Sport.
“He could definitely become a huge asset for us on the wing, but due to the lack of nines coming through, we’ve utilized him frequently in training in that position, and he’s really been electric.”
“There’s a lot to like about Koomy. Being such a young player, I’m thrilled he secured his goal because he truly deserves it.”
Koumas could provide support for Iraola
Koumas contributed three goals for Hull during their unexpected promotion and will return to the AXA Training Centre with uncertainty regarding his future.
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“We started him [as a centre-forward] against Northern Ireland [in a friendly draw in March]. I thought he performed well,” Bellamy commented.
“Upon his substitution today, he can afford to be a bit more refined, but that’s entirely normal.”
“I view him as a key player for Wales’s future, and I’m delighted for him.”
With prior appearances and a goal for the Liverpool first team, and having sat on the bench for several matches under Jurgen Klopp, Koumas could be an option for Iraola as a stop-gap in case Isak needs a breather or to compensate for Ekitike’s absence.