Liverpool’s transfer window is really starting to take shape as the clock ticks down on the new Premier League season.
Up until early August the Reds had stayed unusually silent in the market. While they’d normally have done some business by now, they’ve instead chosen to stay out of it.
That has not just pertained to incomings, though, Liverpool have also chosen to keep most of the first-team squad together and forego any sales.
As Arne Slot was still getting used to the players now under his command, that made plenty of sense.
However, with the new campaign just a week away, it’s time to start getting serious. While Liverpool’s move to sign Martin Zubimendi is hotting up, the exit door at Anfield is starting to spin, too.
Billy Koumetio heading for Liverpool exit
With exactly three weeks now to go in this summer’s transfer window, it’s starting to be now or never on certain deals. In terms of outgoings, there’s still a lot for Liverpool to do.
No major first-team sales are expected, but the likes of Sepp van den Berg could leave while Fabio Carvalho is attracting interest as well.
As the recent tour of the USA showed, Liverpool have plenty of talented young squad players who Slot could call upon.
However, not all of these can be used in the first-team. Loans or permanent moves away should be sought for many of them.
One previously highly-rated youngster who did not make the list for the US trip was Billy Koumetio. The 21-year-old is clearly surplus to requirements at Anfield.
Koumetio was deemed to be ‘unbelievable‘ by Liverpool U21’s coach Barry Lewtas and Jurgen Klopp was a big fan, too. But the Frenchman has not progressed as had perhaps been hoped.
After a failed loan move to Blackburn Rovers in the second half of last season, journalist Marc Mechenoua has reported that Koumetio is set for a medical with Scottish side Dundee United ahead of a permanent move.
“Billy Koumetio will join Dundee United,” Mechenoua says. “The French defender from Liverpool arrives in Scotland this Friday to undergo his medical and sign a 2-year contract + 1 year option.”
https://x.com/LeMechenoua/status/1821590339972682204?t=3FWgNqGr_of81HuCSG7uqA&s=19
Mix up over Billy Koumetio destination
It is not a surprise to see Koumetio leave Liverpool this summer. After six years on the Reds’ books it is time to move on.
22 in November, Koumetio needs to start playing regular football and show why Klopp saw fit to give him two Liverpool appearances, including a Champions League outing at barely 18.
A move up to Scotland should help him do that, although it’s worth pointing out that there looks to have been a mix-up over where Koumetio is heading.
Although Mechenoua says the centre-back is heading to Dundee United, the Dundee Courier in fact report that it is their local rivals Dundee who Koumetio will be potentially joining.
Having seen Owen Beck enjoy success with them last season, let’s hope his former Liverpool academy teammate can have a similar impact. All the best, Billy!