“In Progress”: Liverpool Now in Negotiations to Cash in on Youngster Dubbed “Very Special” by Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool’s academy has rapidly transformed, becoming one of the most heralded in the country.
Previously, the Reds were unable to rely on their youth teams to bring through the kind of quality needed to supplement the first-team. However, with academy bosses recognising the need for improvement, Arne Slot now knows he can count on the youngsters coming through if they are needed.
Jurgen Klopp deserves great credit for that, too. The former Liverpool manager was never afraid to give chances to the kids breaking out at Anfield.
With Klopp moving on, the club is getting used to doing things without him. This transition might mean one of the German’s favorites from the academy is on the chopping block.
Liverpool in Negotiations to sell Billy Koumetio
Klopp has given several young players their initial opportunities with the Reds, solidifying his status as one of Liverpool’s greatest managers.
Promoting teenage footballers always carries risks, as many may not reach the highest levels of the sport.
Thus, the academy’s goal should be to develop players capable of having successful careers in football.
It’s particularly gratifying when these players have been with the club since a young age, though there is also merit in acquiring young talent from other clubs and helping them flourish.
This was Liverpool’s approach with Billy Koumetio, who joined from French club Orléans in 2018.
He quickly gained a significant reputation at Liverpool, with Klopp describing Koumetio as ‘very special’ during the 2020 pre-season when the defender was just 17.
Now 21, Koumetio’s prospects at Anfield seem dim. Following three unsuccessful loan spells, including a stint at Blackburn where he made only one appearance, French journalist Marc Mechenoua reports that Liverpool is negotiating his departure.
“Billy Koumetio, Liverpool’s French defender, has interest from Dundee United in Scotland,” Mechenoua says on X. “Discussions in progress.”
In 2020, it seemed that Koumetio could potentially become a viable option for Liverpool’s first-team squad.
Jürgen Klopp shared this belief, giving the French player his debut in the Champions League amidst the defensive crisis of the 2020/21 season.
Koumetio made another appearance in the EFL Cup, starting against Leicester in December 2022. However, after a shaky first half, he was substituted at halftime.
Despite Klopp’s support and encouragement, Koumetio never appeared to have the necessary tools to progress like Jarell Quansah did for Liverpool.
It’s unfortunate, as he had the potential. Hopefully, he can find his footing in Scotland if this move goes through.
