“He’s now our top target. We’re trying everything possible to sign him in few days time. We need him desperately” – Celtic reveals plan to sign one of the top defenders in the Premier League.

Celtic is actively pursuing a deal to sign Liverpool left-back Owen Beck, as confirmed by sources speaking to Football Insider. Senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed on the Inside Track podcast that the 22-year-old Welsh defender has emerged as Celtic’s top transfer target. However, despite the club’s determined efforts, the deal is far from finalized, and several challenges remain.

Celtic’s Interest and the Competition

The desire to sign Owen Beck is driven by Celtic’s need to bolster their left-back options. Currently, Greg Taylor is the only senior player available in that position, and Celtic is keen to bring in another left-back to provide competition and depth. Beck, known for his attacking prowess, strong crossing ability, and solid dribbling skills, would be a valuable addition to the squad.

During his loan spell at Dundee FC last season, Beck demonstrated his potential by providing four assists and making 57 successful crosses in 28 appearances. His performances caught the attention of several clubs, and Celtic now faces stiff competition from various Championship clubs also interested in securing his services.

Liverpool’s Stance on the Transfer

Liverpool has not yet made a definitive decision regarding Beck’s future. The Anfield club is considering whether to sell the young defender or retain him for further development. Reports suggest that Liverpool may be more willing to part with Beck if a buyback clause is included in the transfer agreement. This clause would allow Liverpool to re-sign Beck in the future should he continue to progress and meet their expectations.

Liverpool has set an asking price of £3 million for Beck, who has made only three senior appearances for his boyhood club. While this fee may be within Celtic’s reach, the potential inclusion of a buyback clause could complicate negotiations. Celtic will need to weigh the benefits of signing Beck against the possibility of losing him back to Liverpool if he fulfills his potential.

The Importance of Signing a Left-Back

Celtic’s pursuit of Beck underscores the club’s strategy to ensure they have adequate cover and competition in all positions. Greg Taylor has been the first-choice left-back, but relying on a single senior player for an entire season is risky, especially with the demands of domestic competitions and European fixtures. Adding a player of Beck’s caliber would not only provide depth but also drive Taylor to maintain his performance levels, knowing that competition is present.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has always emphasized the importance of a strong squad, and securing a young, talented left-back like Beck aligns with the club’s long-term vision. Beck’s ability to contribute offensively would be a valuable asset, fitting well with Celtic’s style of play, which often relies on full-backs to support attacking movements.

The Potential Impact of the Signing

Should Celtic successfully sign Owen Beck, the young defender would have an opportunity to further develop his skills in a competitive environment. Playing regular first-team football at a club like Celtic, with its rich history and passionate fanbase, could be instrumental in his growth. The Scottish Premiership would provide Beck with a platform to showcase his abilities and gain valuable experience at a higher level.

Moreover, Beck’s addition would strengthen Celtic’s squad as they aim to maintain their dominance in the Scottish Premiership and compete effectively in European competitions. Having multiple options in key positions is crucial for managing the rigors of a long season, and Beck’s versatility as a left-back who can contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an attractive option.

The Broader Implications for Celtic

Celtic’s aggressive pursuit of Beck highlights their commitment to building a strong and competitive squad. The club’s willingness to invest in young talent with potential aligns with their strategy of developing players who can contribute to immediate success while also having the potential for future growth and resale value.

The focus on bringing in a left-back also indicates Celtic’s awareness of their current squad’s limitations and their proactive approach to addressing them. By targeting a player like Beck, Celtic is not only looking to fill a positional gap but also to enhance the overall quality of the squad, ensuring they remain competitive on all fronts.

Conclusion

Celtic’s efforts to sign Owen Beck from Liverpool are a clear indication of their ambition and strategic planning for the future. While challenges remain in finalizing the deal, particularly with competition from other clubs and Liverpool’s considerations regarding a buyback clause, Celtic is doing everything possible to secure the young left-back’s services.

A successful transfer would provide Celtic with much-needed depth in the left-back position, enhancing their squad’s overall strength. Beck’s potential and attacking abilities make him a valuable asset, and his arrival would bolster Celtic’s defense and provide a new dimension to their attacking play. As negotiations continue, Celtic fans will be eagerly watching to see if their club can finalize this important signing before the transfer window closes.