While Arne Slot utilized various Liverpool young talents during the pre-season tour in the USA, some players were not part of the trip. Billy Koumetio was among those who did not travel, highlighting his current status at Anfield.
As reported by Football Insider, Liverpool has advised the 21-year-old defender to seek a new club before the transfer window closes on August 30, indicating he is not in Slot’s plans.
Koumetio, who has attracted interest from Scottish and Football League teams, is likely to make a permanent move, especially with his contract ending next summer.
Koumetio probably became aware of his uncertain position at Liverpool when he was omitted from the U.S. tour. His recent loan stints at Austria Vienna, Dunkerque, and Blackburn, where he appeared in only 21 matches, did not improve his situation.
His only senior appearances for Liverpool were in a Champions League match against Midtjylland in December 2020 and a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Leicester the following year.
Jarell Quansah, who is just two months younger, has now moved ahead of him in the first-team hierarchy.
Liverpool currently exceeds the maximum squad limit of 25 ‘overage’ players for domestic and European competitions, including Koumetio, who will turn 22 in November but is considered ‘homegrown.’
For Slot to bring in players like Anthony Gordon, Giorgi Mamardashvili, or Willian Pacho, he must either sell or loan out current squad members or remove some fringe players entirely.
It would be unfair for Koumetio to remain out of the team, so transferring to another club would be advantageous for his career, enabling him to realize the potential that once earned him a place in Liverpool’s first team.
