Report: Crystal Palace monitoring Liverpool youngster for potential move | OneFootball

Crystal Palace’s Liverpool Fixation Continues with Interest in Another Starlet

Palace’s Growing Interest in Liverpool’s Youth

It appears Crystal Palace have developed quite the appetite for Liverpool’s young talent. With their pursuit of Ben Doak well documented, the Eagles have now turned their attention to another rising star—Lewis Koumas.

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According to Alan Nixon, Palace are considering a summer move for the 19-year-old forward, who has been making waves while on loan at Stoke City. His six goals and three assists across 38 appearances have not gone unnoticed, and it seems Palace view him as an alternative to Doak.

Their January attempt to sign Doak was met with firm resistance from Liverpool. Despite offering an initial £15 million, with reports suggesting a potential increase to £20 million, the Merseyside club held their ground, valuing the Scottish winger at closer to £30 million. With Doak still at Middlesbrough for the remainder of the season due to loan obligations, Palace may now be looking to divert their attention elsewhere.

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Koumas’s Rise to Prominence

Lewis Koumas’s journey has been one of steady progression. The Welsh forward, who arrived at Liverpool’s academy from Tranmere Rovers as an Under-11 player, has shown promise for years. His standout moment came during last season’s FA Cup, where he marked his senior debut with a goal in a 3-0 victory over Southampton.

Following an impressive pre-season tour, Liverpool saw enough to secure his future with a long-term contract in August 2023. Now, after a season in the Championship, he has proven his ability to thrive in senior football, making him an attractive prospect for clubs seeking young attacking options.

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Will Liverpool Sell Another Academy Graduate?

There’s always a delicate balance for elite clubs when handling academy graduates. Liverpool have been known to cash in on talent when the time is right—see the departures of Neco Williams and Rhian Brewster in recent years. Yet, with the club transitioning under Arne Slot, there’s a real question of whether now is the time to offload young talent with first-team potential.

Palace, under Oliver Glasner, are clearly intent on bolstering their squad with promising players. While Koumas is not yet a household name, the same was once said about players like Marc Guéhi and Michael Olise, both of whom have thrived at Selhurst Park.

Photo: IMAGO

The key question remains: will Liverpool see Koumas as expendable in the same way they rejected Palace’s advances for Doak? If a substantial offer is made, it could force the club into a decision.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this growing interest in their academy products is both a sign of success and a cause for concern. While it is flattering that Premier League clubs recognise the talent emerging from Kirkby, it also raises the question: why are Liverpool so willing to let these young prospects go?

Selling academy graduates for profit has been a well-established part of Liverpool’s business model in recent years, but with a new manager in Arne Slot, continuity will be vital. There is logic in holding onto a player like Koumas, who has shown promise and could provide depth in the coming seasons.

Unlike Doak, who seems firmly in Liverpool’s long-term plans, Koumas might be seen as more expendable. Yet, selling him now could be premature, particularly given the club’s need for fresh attacking options.

Palace’s track record of developing young talent is respectable. Guéhi, Olise, and Eze have all thrived after being given the platform to play regularly. If Koumas does make the switch, Liverpool fans may well find themselves wondering whether another talented youngster has slipped through their fingers too soon.

Until an official offer materialises, speculation will continue. But one thing is clear—Liverpool’s academy remains a hotbed of talent, and other clubs are watching closely.