As the January transfer window whirls into full swing, Celtic’s sights are reportedly set on Liverpool’s young left-back, Owen Beck. [TransferMarkt] The 21-year-old Welshman, fresh off an impressive loan spell at Dundee, has emerged as a tantalising prospect for the Celtic support. However, the crucial question remains: Is Beck a strategic addition for the Hoops or merely a stopgap solution?
Beck’s stint at Dundee was nothing short of revelatory. His contributions – two goals and as many assists in 17 appearances – were instrumental in Dundee’s commendable first half of the season. His style, often likened to Scotland captain Andrew Robertson, has understandably caught the eye of several clubs, including Celtic.
But, herein lies the crux of the matter. If Celtic are genuinely keen on Beck, and Liverpool are amenable to a loan deal, the arrangement must be scrutinised beyond its immediate benefits.
Liverpool’s current scenario, with Robertson and Tsimikas nearing return and Joe Gomez capably filling in, suggests that a loan deal for Beck is plausible.
Yet, for Celtic, the decision to bring in Beck should hinge on more than just immediate necessity. The question the Celtic fan base and management must ponder is: What value does a short-term loan hold for the club?
In the fast-paced, often transient world of football, continuity is a luxury. For a club of Celtic’s stature, with aspirations both domestically and in Europe, short-term fixes can only go so far. Greg Taylor, currently helming the left-back position, needs competition, no doubt. But if Beck is to be that competition, his stay at Parkhead should ideally extend beyond the summer.
At 21, Beck is at a pivotal point in his career. Regular first-team football is not just a desire but a necessity for his development. Given his position in the pecking order at Anfield, a permanent move would arguably serve his career progression better than a series of short-term loans.
From Celtic’s perspective, investing time and resources into developing a player, only to send him back to Liverpool come summer, seems counterintuitive.
The ideal scenario? A loan deal with an option to buy. This approach offers a safety net for both parties. Celtic gets a closer look at Beck, assessing his fit within the team’s dynamics and future plans. Beck, on his part, gets the opportunity to ply his trade at a top club, with the potential of a permanent move. It’s a win-win, but only if the terms align with Celtic’s long-term vision.
